Quotas

Quotas are predefined numerical targets or minimum thresholds set to ensure the representation of specific groups — often women or minorities — in institutions, organizations, or decision-making bodies.

📌 Types of Quotas: Mandatory (legally enforced):

Example: A law requiring that at least 40% of board members in public companies be women.

Voluntary (self-imposed by organizations):

Example: A neurosurgical society pledging that 30% of speakers at its conference will be women.

🎯 Purpose: Quotas aim to:

Correct historical underrepresentation

Accelerate gender balance

Challenge structural barriers that informal merit systems often reinforce

⚠️ Criticism: Opponents argue that quotas may:

Undermine meritocracy (or appear to)

Lead to tokenism

Create perceived unfairness if not well implemented

✅ Supporters argue: “Quotas don’t lower standards — they widen the pool of who gets seen and considered.”

They are temporary mechanisms to ensure equitable access, not permanent distortions of selection criteria.