Racial representation in the workplace.

• Position: Graph Exercise

The current debate over affirmative action focuses on higher education, specifically the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to review the race-conscious admissions policy at the University ,of Michigan. But the controversy over affirmative action extends beyond higher education. Those who oppose the policy say it amounts to reverse discrimination. Those who support the policy argue that the result of discrimination in schools in the past is seen in discrimination against minorities in the workplace today. This graph compares the percentage of white and minority representation in five selected job categories. Use the data to answer the questions below.

[GRAPHICS OMITTED]

1. Minority males account for the same percentage of workers in two job categories shown on the graph. Which job categories?--and--

2. There is about a three-percentage-poin't difference between white males' representation in two job categories. Which job categories?--and--

3. Minority females account for just 12 percent of all workers in which of the job categories shown?--

4. In which of the five job categories is the representation of white males closest to that of minority males?--

5. In which of the five job categories is the representation of white females closest to that of minority females?--

6. There are more than three times as many minority female workers in one job category as there are minority male...