affirmative action

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR affirmative action ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

Origin of affirmative action

First recorded in 1960–65

Related formsaf·firm·a·tive-ac·tion, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for affirmative action

nondiscrimination

Examples from the Web for affirmative action

Contemporary Examples of affirmative action

After all, Fisher, the affirmative-action case involving the University of Texas, was argued in Supreme Court back in October.
What’s Taking the Supreme Court So Long?
Richard L. Hasen
June 21, 2013
Such a decision, however, would affect only the affirmative-action program in Texas.
Will the Supreme Court End Affirmative Action?
Dan Slater
February 26, 2012
Rush Limbaugh (Southeast Missouri State dropout) proclaimed, “She is an affirmative-action case extraordinaire.”
Closing the Case Against Sotomayor
Scott Horton
May 28, 2009
If anything, attacking Sotomayor as an "affirmative-action hire" will make Republicans look like bigoted bullies to Latino voters.
The GOP's Supreme Problem
Reihan Salam
May 27, 2009

British Dictionary definitions for affirmative action

affirmative action

noun

US a policy or programme designed to counter discrimination against minority groups and women in areas such as employment and educationBrit equivalent: positive discrimination

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

affirmative action in Culture

affirmative action

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.

Note

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).