Thinking about Affirmative Action: Arguments Supporting Preferential Policies

Despite a history of legal discrimination and practices of racial and ethnic exclusion, there is widespread doubt about the fairness and applicability of affirmative action policies. Opponents range from the most socially and politically conservative to moderates who find it difficult to justify preferential policies. The current debate over affirmative action in higher education has temporarily shifted to arguments concerning the value of diversity and avoids questions about the fundamental justification for affirmative action throughout society. There are several reasons to provide affirmative action policies. Three of these, commonly heard in popular discourse, are weak arguments that are not compelling in the current climate of opinion. Three other arguments, though seldom heard, are strong and provide the basis for affirmative action to be recognized as both a logical and moral imperative. These are based on rational choice, Rawls's theory of justice, and the consideration of a desirable future. The strong arguments can move the discourse concerning this important issue of public policy in the direction favoring preferential treatment of persons likely to experience discrimination or ascriptive barriers to equity and equal opportunity.