Sociology: General Terms and Concepts

A Dictionary of Sociology A Dictionary of Sociology Further reading

positive discrimination

A Dictionary of Sociology | 1998 | | Copyright

positive discrimination Policies and practices which favour groups (mainly ethnic groups and women) who have historically experienced disadvantages (usually in the fields of employment and education). In the United States the alternative terms ‘affirmative action’ and ‘reverse discrimination’ are also widely used. It is argued by advocates of positive discrimination that, given the existing structure of inequalities and stereotypes, the policy is necessary in order to create equality of opportunities with historically privileged groups. However, it is highly controversial, and has generated much legal and political debate. Most sociological interest focuses on the implications of positive discrimination for the concept and practice of equality of opportunity. See also JUSTICE, SOCIAL.

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GORDON MARSHALL. "positive discrimination." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

GORDON MARSHALL. "positive discrimination." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-positivediscrimination.html

GORDON MARSHALL. "positive discrimination." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-positivediscrimination.html

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discrimination, positive

A Dictionary of Sociology | 1998 | | Copyright

discrimination, positive See POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION.

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GORDON MARSHALL. "discrimination, positive." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

GORDON MARSHALL. "discrimination, positive." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-discriminationpositive.html

GORDON MARSHALL. "discrimination, positive." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-discriminationpositive.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	ANTI-DISCRIMINATION : EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BACKS POSITIVE ACTION. Magazine article from: European Social Policy; 7/13/2006
	Positive Discrimination And Employment Law.(Brief article) News Wire article from: Mondaq Business Briefing; 3/21/2011
	Editorial Comment The political pitfalls of positive discrimination.(News) Newspaper article from: Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales); 9/3/2005