ABSTRACT
It has long been argued that the mere avoidance of discrimination carries with it little prospect of significant overall improvement in the socio-economic position of disadvantaged groups. For that reason, it is contended, more proactive measures are essential, aiming positively to redress such disadvantages, especially in the field of employment. Such action may be undertaken by employers and those concerned with employment, and in a more general sense, by the government. Affirmative action is, potentially, legally and politically controversial, especially when it raises the spectrum of a less well-qualified person being preferred for a job over a better qualified person. However, whether or not one considers this type of action to be appropriate or permissible, it is important to see that most affirmative action falls far short of such an ultimate step.
