Equality, equal opportunities and diversity: Obfuscation as social justice

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the aims of equal opportunities policies in the UK and to link them to market forces, European integration and the wider aims of economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical literature around equal opportunities and managing diversity is examined. The paper looks at how these have been implemented in practice by examining a policy document relating to Higher Education.

Findings

The paper concludes that the policy document examined exhibits a high degree of confusion and misunderstanding about many of the key principles underlying equal opportunity theory and practice.

Originality/value

The arguments presented add to the wider debates about the nature and role of equal opportunities policies and their relationship to economic policy.

Citation

Johns, N.R. and Green, A.J. (2009), "Equality, equal opportunities and diversity: Obfuscation as social justice", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 289-303. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150910954764