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

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.

Notes

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 Words From

• af·firm·a·tive-ac·tion adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of affirmative action¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

A sizable number of Asian Americans feel that affirmative action, in college admissions or elsewhere, has hurt them personally.

From The Daily Beast

And Derbyshire “always assume[s] that any black person in a well-paid position is an Affirmative Action hire.”

From The Daily Beast

Politically, witness the increasing popularity of affirmative action based on class rather than race.

From The Daily Beast

The piece—an intended satire of affirmative action—was not received quite as warmly as the “I speak Jive” scene from Airplane!

From The Daily Beast

Affirmative action in college admissions has helped white women even more than people of color.

From The Daily Beast

The truth is, that in our atmosphere all affirmative action is difficult; it is hard either to be or to do.

From Project Gutenberg

He impelled her to this affirmative action by suggesting, "Would you like to have a little extra suet wrapped up with it?"

From Project Gutenberg