ke and complete it. In a democratic society, it is also seen as an opportunity that has to be open in some degree to all. Decisions do have to be made because resources are limited, however, and we try to make these decisions in a way that still offers opportunity to the broadest segment of the population possible.
"Affirmative action" refers to efforts to redress imbalances in the workplace, university, or other institution by actively seeking out candidates who have traditionally been excluded, such as members of racial minorities and women. In the past, certain Americans have been excluded from full participation in the American economy, and racial discrimination and sexual discrimination have been cited as the two primary reasons for this. Affirmative action is a way of seeking out candidates from previously excluded groups and may include preferential treatment in order to elevate minority candidates above other candidates in order to achieve some form of racial or gender balance. Social scientist James Wilson points out that affirmative action is not one program but many programs with different outcomes and con
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