Affirmative Action Policies in Higher Education: An Instrument of Social Justice and a Means of Combating Structural Racism

Abstract

Introduction: The quota system in Brazil was implemented in the early 2000s as a public affirmative action policy aimed at facilitating access to higher education and public competitions for vulnerable groups, such as Black and Indigenous people. Objective: To analyze the literature on racism and affirmative action policies among higher education students. Methods: This is an integrative review research, with data collection conducted from the LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The final sample consisted of 20 articles. Results: The predominant themes were affirmative action policies as historical reparations and/or as a reaffirmation of structural racism, along with the need for racial literacy in higher education institutions. Although the literature recognizes that affirmative action goes beyond quotas, encompassing measures to reduce inequalities and broaden opportunities, studies generally focus on the challenges of access, retention, and completion in higher education. An uncritical view of racial democracy still prevails, with a denial of racism and the valorization of meritocracy. Conclusion: The studies highlighted the importance of quotas as measures to ensure racial equity and emphasized the need to deepen discussions on strategies that transform the prevailing racist societal order.