Toward Equal Opportunities: Fairness, Values, and Affirmative Action Programs in the U.S

Affirmative action has not been enjoying widespread support in the United States. This commentary addresses the issues of why the policy of affirmative action is not supported by some Americans. Equity and equality are values cherished by many Americans. Affirmative action as a means toward equality is seen as at odds with the principle of equity and meritocracy. At the center of the problem is a “sense of fairness.” Two issues may be involved in the judgment of fairness of affirmative action programs: (1) heightened salience of group identity and differences and (2) perceived scarcity of resources. Action programs can be designed to address the issue of functional integration, therefore reducing the salience of group differences. It is proposed that workforce diversity should be seen as a viable means toward economic expansion, which will help address the issue of scarcity.