Affirmative Action in the United States and South Africa: Lessons from the Other Side

Abstract

This article serves to compare and contrast affirmative action in practice in the United States and South Africa, citing the differences in implementation for a number of reasons. For example, the racial demographics are quite different in South Africa compared to the U.S., and this has affected the identities and thus the policies of those wielding political and judicial power, and their subsequent decision making. The various arguments in favor of affirmative action, as well as those against, are discussed, as well as relevant cases from both nations.

Keywords: United States, South Africa, affirmative action, racial discrimination, employment discrimination,

JEL Classification: K19, K39, H19, H59, H89, J71, J78