Affirmative action at the crossroads: A social justice perspective

This article reviews the basis for the policy of affirmative action within the context of changing social values. Both the aims and unanticipated cons equences of affirmative action are explored, the latter of which have resul ted in substantial backlash and the real possibility of policy overturn. Wi thin this context, the position of the social welfare community toward and involvement in affirmative action is traced. An agenda for social work in c urrent and future debates about affirmative action is offered which takes i nto account the original social problem-discrimination-within? redefined so cietal values and political realities. Alternative remedies to affirmative action, it is argued, can be congruent with the mission and values of the s ocial welfare community in its quest to achieve social justice. Such option s include targeting specific professions that interface with the inner city African-American underclass; reframing the purpose of affirmative action f rom that of correcting injustice for the victims of racial discrimination t o social engineering; and targeting specific geographical areas which are c haracterized by economic deprivation.