LibGuides: Affirmative Action: Background Information

Background Information

Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia defines affirmative action as "a set of public policy initiatives designed to help rectify past, and prevent future, discriminatory practices." Use the following sources to learn more about relevant legislation, policies, and landmark affirmative action cases.

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Reference tool/magazine that gives overviews of major topic areas (including affirmative action). Includes articles, lists of other resources, as well as Pro and Con sides for most topics.

Encyclopedia of Education
Both the print and online editions of this encyclopedia include detailed entries on education-related issues and affirmative action, particularly from the higher education perspective.
International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences
Provides background information on the development of affirmative action in the United States as well as its application to various groups.
American Decades
This resource is divided up into decades of the 20th century. Readers can understand the social and economic aspects of each decade and also read about affirmative action in those time periods, staring with the 1960s on.