The Impact Of American "Affirmative Action" On Ethnic Minorities' Education And Employment Since 21st Century

Because of the discrimination and oppression,the ethnic minorities were at a disadvantage social,political and economic status in the history of the United States.In order to eliminate the deep-rooted discrimination of the minority in society,“Affirmative Action”was needed to safeguard the equal rights of minorities.This policy was later developed into a preferential treatment for ethnic minorities,with special care given to minorities in enrollment and employment as a form of compensation for long-term discrimination in history.The term“Affirmative Action”first appeared in Executive Order 10925 in the context of anti-discrimination in employment.In the process of its implementation,it has gone through three stages:the germination stage?1940s-1960s?,the development stage?1960s-1980s?,and the recession stage?1980s to present?.Especially since the 21^stt century,the policy has become more controversial.The controversy facing“Affirmative Action”mainly includes three aspects:the first is the controversy of compensatory justice.Opponents believe that the living conditions of ethnic minorities such as African Americans have been greatly improved since the 21^st century.Nowadays,all ethnic groups are already in a fair competition and they no longer need preferential policies;the second is the issue of reverse discrimination.In particular,whites believe that“Affirmative Action”has caused“reverse discrimination”against them;the last is the problem of stigma.Even some capable ethnic minority groups want to get rid of the stereotypes that preferential policies give them.Thus,it can be seen that the policy has been in a pessimistic situation since the 21st century.Therefore,this thesis mainly analyzes the effectiveness of education and employment policies of the“Affirmative Action”and its impact on ethnic minority education and employment in the United States since the 21st century.Besides,it also explores the attitudes and responses of various ethnic groups?Whites,African Americans,Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans?to education and employment policies,which is more beneficial to understanding the impact of“Affirmative Action”.