In many contexts, scholars find that students perform better in school when their credentials are closer to those of their classmates, whereas they have more trouble persisting in a difficult major, graduating from college, or getting a good job when they are surrounded by peers who have much higher credentials. This has been referred to as the mismatch effect. If we assume the mismatch effect is real, what would a utilitarian say this suggests about the use of strong affirmative action?
A) The mismatch effect is not relevant to the issue of strong affirmative action.
B) The mismatch effect illustrates how strong affirmative action is not always beneficial to minorities.
C) The mismatch effect illustrates the importance of diversity in these contexts.
D) The mismatch effect illustrates how strong affirmative action is almost always beneficial to minorities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A utilitarian, focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number, would likely interpret the mismatch effect as suggesting that strong affirmative action, by placing students in environments where their credentials significantly differ from their peers, might not always serve the best interests of the intended beneficiaries, potentially leading to negative outcomes such as lower persistence in difficult majors, graduation rates, or employment prospects.

In Many Contexts, Scholars Find That Students Perform Better in School