Reverse discrimination

Abstract

This chapter argues that there simply is no cogent objection to affirmative action based on the fact that, by its very nature, it is a form of unjust discrimination. The core of the chapter’s argument can be stated in the form of a dilemma: Either affirmative action amounts to discrimination in a generic sense, or it amounts to discrimination in some more specific sense, e.g., unjust differential treatment of people because of their membership of different socially salient groups. If the former, then it is true that affirmative action involves discrimination, but discrimination in a generic sense is not morally objectionable. If the latter, it is not the case that all forms of affirmative action involve discrimination in this sense. Thus, affirmative action is not unjust discrimination—so-called reverse discrimination—per se.