Other useful definitions and characterizations of affirmative action would de-emphasize the retrospective, compensatory, and ameliorative nature of such programs and focus, instead, on the current value of such programs in enhancing diversity, particularly in educational institutions and in the workforce (Bergman, 1996 Bok and Bowen, 1998). Swain (1996:1) offers a somewhat broader definition is offered that involves a “range of governmental and private initiatives that offer preferential treatment to members of designated racial or ethnic minority groups (or to other groups thought to be disadvantaged), usually as a means of compensating them for the effects of past and present discrimination.” Both of these definitions suggest a compensatory rationale for affirmative-action programs-i.e., members of groups previously disadvantaged are now to receive the just compensation that is their due in order to make it easier for them to get along in the world. ![]() Less, the investigators offered a useful definition of affirmative action as “any effort taken to expand opportunity for women or racial, ethnic and national origin minorities by using membership in those groups that have been subject to discrimination as a consideration ” (Edley, 1996:16–17). Identifying and building on this agreement and consensus is a necessary first step in the development of any successful race-related public policy in a multiracial society, such as our own. “Agreement” includes a shared unease about programs involving overt racial preferences coupled with a willingness to support outreach programs as well as programs that benefit the disadvantaged, and certain other types of affirmative-action initiatives. Once we move beyond the ambiguity surrounding the term “affirmative action”-and the confusion concerning existing affirmative-action programs-a good deal of agreement is revealed among Whites, Blacks, and members of other racial and ethnic groups concerning many affirmative action-related issues. ![]() Racial division and polarization, however, do not tell the whole story. Affirmative Action: Legislative History, Judicial Interpretations, Public ConsensusĪffirmative action is often considered to be a public-policy issue on which Whites and Blacks are hopelessly divided (Delgado, 1996 Hacker, 1992 Kinder and Sanders, 1996 Thernstrom and Thernstrom, 1997).
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