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