Celia Wolf-Devine: Proportional Representation

question 15

Essay

Celia Wolf-Devine: Proportional Representation
In "Proportional Representation," Celia Wolf-Devine examines what she takes to be a basic presupposition of the debate over affirmative action: that the low percentage of women and minorities employed as college professors relative to their proportion in society as a whole is a problem in need of remedy. She presents two arguments for this claim and finds each of them wanting. According to the first argument, the under-representation of women and minorities in academia must, as a requirement of justice, be remedied because it is the result of discrimination. Wolf-Devine, however, argues that this under-representation can be reasonably explained by factors other than discrimination. For example, Wolf-Devine argues that there is no reason to suppose all racial and ethnic groups share an equally strong desire to pursue college teaching. On Wolf-Devine's view, different ethnic and racial groups have different ideas about what careers are most prestigious and worth pursuing. In addition, large numbers of racial and ethnic minorities have been scarred by the effects of poverty, which have created serious obstacles to entering college, let alone entering college teaching. And with respect to women, Wolf-Devine claims that their statistical under-representation may partly reflect personal preferences and choices-such as decisions to spend more time on childcare-rather than simply the operation of discriminatory hiring.
According to the second argument Wolf-Devine considers, college faculties should reduce the under-representation of women and minorities because of the benefit brought by the resulting increase in diversity. Given that intelligent dialogue is a vital part of the purpose of universities, Wolf-Devine accepts that intellectual diversity is beneficial. However, Wolf-Devine argues that gender and racial diversity does not guarantee intellectual diversity. In fact, gender and racial diversity is compatible with total ideological conformity in Wolf-Devine's view. Moreover, Wolf-Devine argues that we should not suppose that an individuals' gender or race indicates what beliefs or intellectual commitments they hold. Indeed, to do so is to engage in a demeaning form of stereotyping according to Wolf-Devine.
-What are some possible ways a proponent of affirmative action might respond to Wolf-Devine's criticisms? Would any of these responses be convincing in your view? Why or why not?

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Definitions:

Bogie Centerline

The central line running through a bogie, which is a framework carrying wheels, attached to vehicles such as trains or trailers, aiding in stability and balance.

Bridge Formula

Used to determine how a truck and semi-trailer support their respective loads. Generally, if a trailer sliding bogie is moved forward, the percentage of load supported by the tractor decreases. Bridge formula is also used to determine how tractor axles are loaded when the fifth wheel position is altered. Moving a sliding fifth wheel forward takes load off the drive bogies and transfers it to the steer axle.

Sliding 5th Wheel

An adjustable coupling mechanism on a semi-trailer that allows for the repositioning of the trailer's weight distribution.

Affects

Refers to the emotional or psychological impact or influence something has on a person's feelings or emotions.