Authors: David A. Kravitz and Stephen L. Klineberg
Title: Reactions to Two Versions of Affirmative Action Among
Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics.
Source: Journal of Applied Psychology, 85, 597-611. 2000.
Abstract:
Houston-area Whites (n = 414), Blacks (n = 392), American-born Hispanics (n =
162), and Hispanic immigrants (n = 177) evaluated a self-defined "typical"
affirmative action plan (AAP) and a tiebreak AAP that applies under conditions
of equal qualifications and underrepresentation. Whites preferred Tiebreak; Blacks
and Hispanics preferred the typical AAP. The groups differed in beliefs about
the procedures and fairness of affirmative action (AA), perceptions of workplace
discrimination, and political orientations. Perceived fairness predicted support
for both AAPs in all American-born groups, but the impact of other predictors
varied greatly across AAPs and ethnic groups. The results clarify the bases for
Whites' opposition to AA as they construe it. The results also underscore the
importance of specifying the AAP procedures, of uncovering the predictors of AA
attitudes among target-group members, and of conducting separate analyses in each
ethnic community.
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