Affirmative Action
Policies that support members of a group that has suffered discrimination
Real World Example
Affirmative action emerged during the Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968) as a way to address and correct the long history of discrimination against minorities, particularly African Americans. It aimed to level the playing field by providing better access to education and employment opportunities for groups that had been historically marginalized. This was crucial at the time because it responded to the systemic racism and inequality that limited these groups' chances to succeed in society. Today, affirmative action still matters as it helps promote diversity and inclusion in schools and workplaces, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have equal opportunities. For example, a college might use affirmative action to create a diverse student body, which enriches the learning environment by exposing students to different perspectives and experiences.
