Debating Affirmative Action: Conceptual, Contextua l, and Comparative Perspectives: Journal of Law and Society Special Issues

The themes explored in the collection relate, first, to the way in which affirmative action is conceptualized and how this affects its perceived justifiability. Secondly, the essays highlight the importance of context in evaluating the case for affirmative action. Thirdly, the collection emphasises the need for pragmatic judgments about the likely effectiveness and costs of such policies in the different circumstances in which they are employed.