In this term paper the author discusses US race relations under the aspect of “affirmative action”. Under the influence of the civil rights movement African-Americans and white liberals managed to achieve a breakthrough in civil rights legislation in the 1960s. This became the foundation of administrative measures that were intended to get minorities into business, civil service and colleges. These are called “affirmative action”. The policy, designed to achieve equal opportunities for blacks, is itself ambiguous as the law prohibits discrimination ad preferential treatment of any US citizen. The author focuses on this dilemma. First she defines what affirmative action is, what its purpose is and to what extend it can lead to preferential treatment. Then a look is taken at the history of African-Americans since the end of slavery in the 19th century. This is inevitable to understand the intentions and goals of the civil rights activism of the 1950s and 1960s. Chapter four focuses on the pros and cons of affirmative action. One the one hand the author explores philosophical, legal and social arguments for the advancement of blacks. On the other hand she analyses legal criticism of affirmative action and the argument of “reverse discrimination”. Finally, the author explains why the US still needs affirmative action and how it can be revised.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: DEALING WITH DIVERSITY
- HISTORY OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLITICS CONCERNING AFRICAN-AMERICANS:
FROM CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TO CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.
- SITUATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN THE 1950S..
- LEGAL FOUNDATIONS: THE BEGINNING OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION UNDER PRESIDENT LYNDON B. JOHNSON
- AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: ESSENTIAL POLICY FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION OR “REVERSE
DISCRIMINATION\"?
- POLITICAL ARGUMENTS AND LEGAL ASPECTS FOR IMPLEMENTING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION.
- THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ARGUMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
- CONTROVERSY: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AS “REVERSE DISCRIMINATION\"?.
- CONCLUSION: THE FUTURE OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to discuss the historical development and current debate surrounding affirmative action in the United States, with a particular focus on its impact on African-Americans. The paper explores the origins of affirmative action policy within the context of the civil rights movement, examines the arguments for and against its implementation, and analyzes its effectiveness in promoting social inclusion and addressing historical inequalities.
- The history and development of affirmative action politics concerning African-Americans.
- The social, legal, and political arguments for and against affirmative action.
- The controversy surrounding affirmative action and the concept of "reverse discrimination."
- The impact of affirmative action on the lives of African-Americans and the US society in general.
- The future of affirmative action in the United States.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter sets the context for the term paper by introducing the concept of affirmative action and outlining the paper's main objectives. It provides a brief overview of the history of African-Americans in the US, leading up to the civil rights movement and the emergence of affirmative action policy.
- Affirmative Action: Dealing with Diversity: This chapter defines "affirmative action" and explains its purpose in addressing historical inequalities and promoting diversity. It explores the various ways in which affirmative action programs are implemented and discusses the potential for preferential treatment, leading to the controversy surrounding the concept of "reverse discrimination."
- History of Affirmative Action Politics concerning African-Americans: From Civil Rights Movement to Civil Rights Act of 1964: This chapter delves into the historical background of affirmative action, tracing its roots to the civil rights movement and the social and legal situation of African-Americans in the 1950s. It explores the key legal foundations and developments that paved the way for affirmative action policy, particularly the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Affirmative Action: Essential Policy for Social Inclusion or “Reverse Discrimination\"?: This chapter examines the arguments for and against affirmative action. It presents philosophical, legal, and social arguments in favor of affirmative action, highlighting its potential to promote social inclusion and address historical injustices. It also explores criticisms of affirmative action, focusing on the concept of "reverse discrimination" and the concerns regarding its potential to disadvantage other groups.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts discussed in this paper include: affirmative action, civil rights, discrimination, "reverse discrimination," social inclusion, diversity, preferential treatment, racial inequality, Black Codes, segregation, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These terms represent the main areas of focus and research in this term paper, which aims to shed light on the historical development and contemporary debate surrounding affirmative action in the United States.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Fischer (Author), 2010, Advantages and Controversy of US "Affirmative Action" concerning African - Americans, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/153507
