International Encyclopedia of Men and Masculinities
Affirmative action is a political tool used to prevent or challenge social inequality for those groups in a position of inferiority, both as a consequence of discrimination being suffered and as a result of past discrimination whose effects are still present. Its aim is to promote processes to allow social groups suffering from discrimination to achieve equality. Affirmative action measures are dependent and temporary in nature since they exist only in so far and as long as the discrimination persists against the group for which they are intended. The United States was the first Western country to implement these measures and to do so with the greatest force. However, it should not be forgotten that such policies were in use long ago in India to help certain castes, such as the untouchables, isolated communities and those marginalised socially and educationally.
Policies of affirmative action have been put into practice in different countries to encourage women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and other discriminated groups to take part in politics, the labour market and education.
Recently these measures have begun to be applied to reconciling family and employment issues. Some measures are exclusively addressed to men, such as paternity leave or fathers’ extended leave of absence for child care.
However, affirmative action policies are not free from controversy. An important social debate has arisen with regard to their suitability, legitimacy and fairness. For instance, different groups within the feminist and men’s movements have taken part in these debates: some argue that the measures constitute a form of inverted discrimination as they are prejudicial against men who themselves have not committed discriminatory acts. In defence of the measures, they are argued as offering compensation and reparation for the effects of a long-standing and ingrained discrimination: they are necessary to transform an unjust social order that harms not only those for whom affirmative action is intended but also the whole society.
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