ABSTRACT

This chapter explores steps that have been taken to address inequality in the twenty-first century, tracing the successes and failures over the past fifty years. It gives disproportionate attention to the judicial branch of the US government and focuses on the potential for it to serve as a counter-majoritarian force in a representative democracy. Affirmative action receives the most attention as it pertains to college and graduate/professional school admission, but it is important to consider its effect on employment and housing separately. Measuring public opinion about affirmative action can be difficult, as is capturing public sentiment on any issue relating to race. The primary difference between proponents of bans on affirmative action policies and supporters of affirmative action is the degree to which they are willing to acknowledge the systemic effects of historical discrimination and prejudice.