The Diversity Bargain

This incisive examination of elite university life goes straight to the source, unpacking how Ivy League students themselves conceptualize race, merit, and the true meaning of diversity. Natasha Warikoo's research captures a critical window into the minds of those who have just won the admissions lottery, revealing the complex and often contradictory beliefs they hold about who deserves a seat at the table. The book moves beyond political rhetoric to explore the lived experiences of students navigating these charged issues on campus every day.

Warikoo's concept of the "diversity bargain"—where white students often accept diversity only if it doesn't threaten their own perceived meritocratic advantages—provides a powerful framework for understanding contemporary campus dynamics. This work is essential reading for anyone concerned with educational equity, whether they're college-bound students trying to make sense of these systems or educators working to create more inclusive institutions. The student perspectives shared here will fundamentally reshape how readers think about fairness, privilege, and the real-world consequences of admissions policies.