Affirmative Actions in Postcolonial Latin America: A Comparative Analysis of Ecuador, Brazil, and Cuba

This is a comparative analysis and discussion of affirmative actions for underrepresented groups in Ecuador, Brazil, and Cuba, with particular attention being given to afro-descendants. Despite shared identities as Latin American countries, the aforementioned countries have responded differently to discussions around affirmative action policies because of a difference in social consciousness influenced by historical events and political ideologies. The differences in social consciousness can be seen to emerge at critical junctures -- colonization and slavery, freedom movements, questioning political sovereignty and stability -- which have shaped present-day sociopolitical debates on racial identities and discrimination. The differences seen here among countries once political linked and now economically linked can hopefully engender an appreciation for differences in identity and racial politics seen elsewhere and support serious discussions about how to address racial inequalities.