Affirmative Action

Introduction

Affirmative action refers to concrete steps that are taken not only to eliminate discrimination, Äîwhether employment, education or contracting, Äîbut also to try to correct the effects of past discrimination. The fundamental aim for affirmative action is the legal principle of equality of opportunity, which holds that all people have the right to equal access to self-development. (Bossuyt: 54) In other words, people with the same abilities should have equal opportunities.

affirmative action programs are very different in that they attempt to reverse discrimination. Some programs simply can Institute reviews the hiring process for women, minorities and other groups. Other programs of affirmative action would explicitly prefer members of groups. In these programs, minimum professional requirements are used to create a pool of qualified candidates including members of the groups involved are given preference.

Affirmative action affects small businesses in two main ways. First, it prevents companies from 15 or more employees from discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical ability and practices relating to hiring, compensation , promotion, training and firing employees. Secondly, it allows state and federal governments on behalf of women prisoners and minority-owned businesses when awarding contracts, and to reject bids from companies that do not make good faith efforts to include minority-owned businesses among their subcontractors.

The interpretation and implementation of affirmative action has been challenged since its origins in the 1960s. A essential issue of argument is the explanation of discriminatory employment practices. The interpretation of affirmative action has changed employment practices that were not intentionally discriminatory, but nevertheless had an impact "disproportionate" to the affected groups have been regarded as a breach of regulations affirmative action. Another key issue was whether members of affected groups could receive preferential treatment and, where appropriate, the means by which they might be preferred. (Hamilton 43) the ...