Critical Essay: Debates on Merit, Quotas, and Targets with Context

This essay critically analyzes the debates surrounding merit, quotas, and targets, examining their underlying assumptions and how these concepts change over time and across different cultural and industry contexts. It explores the viewpoints of different groups, such as liberal women in Australia, and examines how the implementation of merit-based systems and quota systems varies globally. The essay discusses the implications of these systems on immigration, political representation, and social equality. It references various sources, including academic articles and media reports, to provide a comprehensive overview of the complexities and controversies associated with merit, quotas, and targets. The essay highlights the arguments for and against quota systems, considering issues of fairness, individualism, and the impact on various groups, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities, and provides a critical perspective on the dynamics of these concepts in contemporary society.