Identity politics: the good, the bad, and the… hotly contested

What was the major decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 regarding college admissions?

• Affirmative action was expanded.

• Affirmative action was ended.

• Affirmative action was made optional for colleges.

• Affirmative action was limited to private universities.

What did Justice Clarence Thomas say about race-based admissions in his opinion?

• They help create a diverse student body.

• They are necessary to correct past wrongs.

• They go against the idea of a colorblind Constitution.

• They should be decided by individual states.

Which political philosopher argued that the social contract was created "by men, for men" and needed a feminist overhaul?

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Carol Pateman

• Charles Mills

What did John Stuart Mill mean by "experiments in living"?

• The right to try out different ways of life as long as it doesn't harm others.

• The government should provide everyone with the same opportunities.

• People should follow traditional societal norms for happiness.

• Scientific research into human behavior.

How did Harvard and UC Davis differ in their approaches to increasing diversity in college admissions?

• Harvard used a racial quota, while UC Davis considered race as one of many factors.

• Harvard considered race as one of many factors, while UC Davis set aside a specific number of spots for minorities.

• Harvard focused on recruiting international students, while UC Davis focused on local students.

• Harvard only admitted students based on academic merit, while UC Davis used a lottery system.

What was the approximate percentage of Black students at Harvard in 1963, before affirmative action was signed into law?

• 10%

• 5%

• 1%

• 14%

What is a concern raised by critics of identity politics?

• It encourages people to focus on what they have in common.

• It can lead to "identity essentialism," where complex people are reduced to simple traits.

• It promotes a shared destiny among all groups.

• It always leads to greater understanding between different groups.

What does Iris Marion Young's "politics of difference" suggest?

• All identity factors should be ignored to achieve fairness.

• Identity groups should compete for their own specific interests.

• We should acknowledge that some social groups are disadvantaged and address specific issues based on specific differences.

• Individuals should leave their identity behind for neutrality in politics.