Symposium Abstract

Erin Sergison

Department of Political Science

Unearthing the Roots of Affirmative Action

This study seeks to determine the biological, social, and political factors that affect individuals’ personal preferences favoring or opposing the practice of affirmative action. The analysis explores whether preference is merely a matter of race or gender, or if one’s age, education, egalitarian or feminist tendencies, household income and ideology also explain attitudes. As policy is influenced by public opinion, this study makes a meaningful contribution to the literature on this important public policy issue.

Session A — 9:00 a.m. — Student Organization Center.