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

In addition to his crypto chops and avowed support for constitutional originalism, he has been an ardent defender of religious liberty and an opponent of affirmative action.

From Los Angeles Times

Some progressives argued that Kirk had it coming because of his long history of incendiary statements against issues including affirmative action, trans people and Islam.

From Los Angeles Times

Frequent Fox News contributor Molly Hemingway called for a sort of affirmative action program for conservatives to replace left-wing academics in colleges and universities.

From Salon

Of course conservatives complained about all this constantly and at great length, and sporadically tried to organize boycotts or other counterattacks against such shibboleths as “affirmative action,” “political correctness,” “multiculturalism” and “cultural Marxism.”

From Salon

Supreme Court found that affirmative action in university admissions violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

From Los Angeles Times