Women & Gender Studies

AAP Insights in Women’s and Gender Studies: Reshaping Identities

Feminist Philosophy, Gender Justice, and Affirmative Action
Challenges and Opportunities

Sooraj Kumar Maurya, DPhil

Feminist Philosophy, Gender Justice, and Affirmative Action

In Production
Pub Date: Forthcoming January 2027
Hardback Price: $170 USD | £130 UK
Hard ISBN: 9781998511518
E-Book ISBN: 978-1-998511-50-1
Pages: Est 304 pp with inde
Binding Type: Hardback / ebook
Series: AAP Insights in Women’s and Gender Studies: Reshaping Identities

In an era marked by intense debates over equality, representation, and the structures of justice, this new book, Feminist Philosophy, Gender Justice, and Affirmative Action: Challenges and Opportunities, arrives as a timely and necessary intervention. This book thoughtfully navigates one of the most contentious yet vital terrains in contemporary social and political thought: the role of affirmative action in advancing gender justice, seen through the critical lens of feminist philosophy.

The author critically explores the intersection of feminist thought and affirmative action policies, offering a comprehensive analysis of their role in advancing gender equality. By addressing ethical, cultural, and practical dimensions, the book examines both the potential and the limitations of affirmative action in fostering justice for marginalized genders. The book delves into key themes such as representation, intersectionality, and inclusivity, providing a nuanced understanding of how affirmative action policies affect diverse identities. It evaluates the challenges these policies face, including cultural resistance, implementation gaps, and societal backlash, while proposing innovative strategies to overcome these barriers.

One of the core focuses of the book is the ethical debate surrounding affirmative action. Drawing on feminist philosophical frameworks, it critiques traditional notions of meritocracy and fairness, offering alternative perspectives that emphasize equity and justice. The book also explores the implications of affirmative action in leadership, workplace dynamics, and public policy, shedding light on how these measures can transform societal structures.

Chapters cover affirmative action as a tool for gender justice, women in leadership, inclusive policies, societal resistance to gender equality, strategies for alternative justice models, implications of economic justice for women, and more.

A significant contribution of this work is its forward-looking analysis of gender justice in a post-affirmative action world. By emphasizing global applicability, the book highlights transnational feminist solidarity and the need for context-specific solutions. Ultimately, this book serves as a vital resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists. It bridges theoretical insights with practical applications, offering a roadmap for achieving transformative gender justice in contemporary societies.

CONTENTS:
Foreword by Dr. Sooraj Kumar Maurya

Preface

1. Affirmative Action as a Tool for Gender Justice

2. The Ethics of Representation: Women in Leadership

3. Intersectional Feminism and Inclusive Policies

4. Challenges in Implementing Affirmative Action

5. Barriers and Societal Resistance

6. Gender Justice in a Post-Affirmative Action World

7. Feminist Strategies for Alternative Justice Models

8. Philosophical Implications of Economic Justice for Women

9. Gender and Affirmative Action and the Path Ahead

Index


About the Authors / Editors:
Sooraj Kumar Maurya, DPhil
Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), University of Delhi, India

Sooraj Kumar Maurya, DPhil, is a distinguished scholar and Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), University of Delhi, India. He completed his BA, MA, and DPhil degrees in Philosophy from the University of Allahabad, where his doctoral research examined the ethical discourse on affirmative action in Western philosophical traditions. With a deep grounding in classical and contemporary philosophy, Dr. Maurya brings a critical lens to questions of justice, rights, and sociopolitical transformation. Dr. Maurya’s academic oeuvre comprises over 35 peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Scopus-indexed journals and UGC-CARE-listed platforms, covering a wide spectrum of themes in normative ethics, political philosophy, feminist theory, philosophy of law, and applied ethics. He has authored and co-edited books on topics ranging from education to socio-economic challenges, and has contributed chapters to prestigious international volumes published by Springer, Routledge, and Wiley. Beyond his publications, he was previously affiliated with the Department of Philosophy, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, where Dr. Maurya has served as Managing Editor of the International Journal of Applied Ethics, a journal by Ramanujan College, University of Delhi and actively participates in national and international seminars, and faculty training programs. His scholarship stands at the intersection of philosophy and public policy, offering normative clarity on issues such as justice, equity, and rights in a complex and evolving world.




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