The definition of affirmative action includes which of the following?

The definition of affirmative action includes which of the following?

• A. Overcome barriers to equal employment opportunities and remedy the effects of past discrimination.
• B. Allocate resources based on seniority alone.
• C. Prioritize political appointments.
• D. Provide wage increases for all employees equally.

Answer: (A)

Affirmative action involves taking proactive steps to ensure equal employment opportunities by addressing barriers that have historically limited opportunities for certain groups and by remedying the effects of past discrimination. The option that describes both overcoming barriers to employment and correcting past inequities best captures what affirmative action is about in practice—using targeted outreach, development opportunities, and other remedial measures to level the playing field for those who faced discrimination. The other descriptions miss the core idea: allocating resources by seniority alone ignores unequal starting points; prioritizing political appointments reflects patronage rather than equal opportunity; and providing wage increases for all employees equally focuses on pay rather than addressing discriminatory barriers or remedies.

Affirmative action involves taking proactive steps to ensure equal employment opportunities by addressing barriers that have historically limited opportunities for certain groups and by remedying the effects of past discrimination. The option that describes both overcoming barriers to employment and correcting past inequities best captures what affirmative action is about in practice—using targeted outreach, development opportunities, and other remedial measures to level the playing field for those who faced discrimination. The other descriptions miss the core idea: allocating resources by seniority alone ignores unequal starting points; prioritizing political appointments reflects patronage rather than equal opportunity; and providing wage increases for all employees equally focuses on pay rather than addressing discriminatory barriers or remedies.