affirmative action

[uh-fur-muh-tiv ak-shuhn]

noun

1. the encouragement of increased representation of women and minority-group members, especially in employment.

affirmative action

noun

1. Brit equivalent: positive discrimination. a policy or programme designed to counter discrimination against minority groups and women in areas such as employment and education

affirmative action

1. A term referring to various government policies that aim to increase the proportion of African-Americans, women, and other minorities in jobs and educational institutions historically dominated by white men. The policies usually require employers and institutions to set goals for hiring or admitting minorities.

Affirmative action has been extremely controversial. Supporters maintain that it is the only way to overcome the effects of past discrimination and promote integration. Critics dismiss it as “reverse discrimination,” denying opportunities to qualified whites and men. (See Bakke decision).

Other Word Forms

• affirmative-action adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affirmative action¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The suit is being brought by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, the far-right group behind the Supreme Court case that ended affirmative action in college admissions.

From Salon

One bill supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus focuses on lineage rather than race and could skirt around the federal affirmative action ban.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a myth that affirmative action rewards less talented people, and the conservative media system provides a shining example.

From Salon

That move came as Californians debated Proposition 16, which would have reversed the state’s affirmative action prohibition but failed to pass.

From Los Angeles Times

After California voters passed Proposition 13 in 1978 to limit property taxes — and later Proposition 209 in 1996 banning affirmative action — Democrats sought ways to blunt or undo their impact through legislation and legal challenges.

From Salon