Affirmative Action: The Problem and the Solution

Abstract

Affirmative action was created in the 1960s as a way to address the problem of discrimination and unfair treatment faced by under-represented groups. However, since the implementation of this policy, debates and controversies have always been one of the key issues that societies pay close attention to. Some argue that some of the most immediate problems that need to be addressed are that of reverse discrimination and the debate between meritocracy and equal opportunity, suggesting that focusing only on diversity may have undermined the principle of meritocracy, at the same time creating a new type of discrimination towards those with low socioeconomic status. Looking through the history and understanding the rationale and implementation of affirmative action, discover the impact these two problems have on education and employment, as well as try to seek potential changes to minimize the negative impact of affirmative action by looking into the possibilities of socioeconomic-based and holistic-based policies.