The affirmative action controversy

Abstract

This article presents the main arguments used in debates on affirmative action. A distinction is made between individual and social justice and utilitarian arguments. The claim put forward is that debates on affirmative action tend to become locked within a discrimination-non-discrimination controversy. This perpetuates the defensive position of affirmative action advocates. I identify three strategies to break with this dominant controversy. First, a shift in focus from non-discrimination to a "right to be treated as an equal" opens the way for affirmative action. Second, a stressing of the special contribution of women in male-dominated fields transfers the focus from discrimination to the benefits of including women. Third, I argue for transferring the "burden of proof" from those advocating equality to those defending the status quo - the question should not be "why women?" but "why not women?".