ABSTRACT
The object of this chapter is to analyse discrimination and justice, in terms of theory and experience, to suggest that affirmative action is necessary but cannot be sufficient in the quest for social justice. The structure of the discussion is as follows. First, it considers the origins of discrimination in historical perspective. Second, it examines how discrimination leads to exclusion and embedded injustice is an outcome of the process. Third, it discusses the conception of justice as it has evolved, beginning in ancient India through enlightenment thinkers in Europe, to modern political thought in the contemporary world. Fourth, it argues that the quest for social justice, which gathered momentum during the second half of the 20th century, is a relatively recent phenomenon, even if discrimination and injustice have a long history. Fifth, it analyses the logic, the necessity and the limitations of affirmative action to highlight what else is needed. Sixth, it endeavours to impart a dose of reality to the story through a tale of three countries – India, the United States and South Africa – even if the focus is on India. In conclusion, it draws some lessons from experience to contemplate the future.
