The Quota System as a mechanism of positive discrimination in the implementation of the principle of equality

Abstract

Purpose : Leading the idea of human dignity, equality describes an artificial construction whose implementation transcends its identical application on citizens as far as their particularities give rise to inequalities in this treatment. The recognition of the need to proportionally share benefits in this implementation builds policies of «affirmative actions» aimed at suppressing the imbalance of opportunities suffered by excluded group in a more accelerated manner. The greater dimension of their segregation encouraged the states to embark on quota systems by legalizing minimum percentages of occupancy of services by these groups, guaranteeing their active participation in society. This article seeks to understand which characteristics inherent to excluded groups encourage the implementation of quota systems, as well as the area of society in which they affect. Methodology: We used a quantitative methodology based on meta-analysis, which combines qualitative research carried out on a given topic in order to analyse, systematise and compare knowledge, results and conclusions (Bicudo, 2014) with greater precision (Costa, 2022). The meta-analysis carried out on the subject of the quota system as an instrument of positive discrimination began by inserting the expression 'quota systems' into the Google Scholar search engine, duly accompanied by the code 'allintitle' for the purposes of containing results, and the English language was selected for its invocation in an attempt to achieve greater international diversity. Results : It was found that, although they tend to address socio-economic issues to circumvent any ethical issues that may arise from their implementation, quota systems tend to dedicate their quotas to gender issues in politics, to the disabled population in the labour context and to different ethnic backgrounds in universities. Originality : This article contributes to the theoretical understanding of this subject by organising conceptual, philosophical and historical knowledge in the construction of the path behind the motivations inherent in the implementation of a quota system. The practical contribution lies in the presentation of a global panorama of its group and societal impact, in order to better understand these motivations. Keywords: equality; excluded groups; meta-analysis; positive discrimination; quota systems. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58869/EJABM9(3)/02