BEHIND THE STRUGGLE THAT DIVIDES THE INDUSTRY

This story is the first of a three-part series that analyzes the complexities of minority set-aside programs, looks to the future and suggests possible solutions. Minority business set-asides, created to redress past discrimination and foster economic prosperity, have done neither. This article examines the arguments of critics who say the program isn't working, the views of minorities who say they are left on the outside looking in without the goals provided by the minority set-aside programs, and the changes that are needed if Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) programs are to succeed. The programs have been, or still are, also known as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE); Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), now part of MBE; and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), a term used by the Defense Department. A chart included with this article shows minorities' and women's share of federal aid highway contracts for 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Cahners Publishing Company

    275 Washington Street
    Newton, MA  United States  02158-1630
  • Authors:
    • Merwin, D P
  • Publication Date: 1990-2

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos;
  • Pagination: 5 p.
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00491288
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Feb 28 1990 12:00AM