Affirmative Action Impact in the 1960s-1970s

The impact of Affirmative Action in the 1960s and 1970s was indeed limited, but it cannot be denied that it played a significant role in addressing the issue of discrimination and promoting equality in the United States. This essay will discuss the various measures taken during this period to enforce affirmative action, the statistical evidence of its impact, and the ongoing challenges that persisted despite its implementation.

Affirmative Action was first introduced by President Kennedy in 1961 when he ordered federal contractors to adopt policies that promoted equal employment opportunities. This was followed by the establishment of the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity. President Johnson further strengthened affirmative action by creating the Office of Federal Contract Compliance in order to enforce these policies. In 1967, Johnson extended affirmative action to include women, recognizing the need to address gender inequality as well.

President Nixon also played a role in advancing affirmative action by authorizing goals and timetables to correct the underutilization of minorities and women. This demonstrated a bipartisan commitment to addressing discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for all.

One way to assess the impact of affirmative action is through statistical evidence. Between 1974 and 1980, federal contractors added Black and female officials and managers at twice the rate of businesses not bound by affirmative action legislation. This indicates that affirmative action policies were successful in increasing representation and opportunities for marginalized groups in the workforce.

Furthermore, large companies such as AT&T, IBM, and Sears Roebuck also increased minority employment as a result of adopting affirmative action policies. This suggests that affirmative action had a positive influence on corporate practices and helped to break down barriers to employment for minority groups.

However, it is important to acknowledge that despite these advancements, there were still significant inequalities that persisted by the end of the 1970s. Women continued to earn less than men, and Black people faced higher unemployment rates, lower average family incomes, and lower rates of college attendance compared to White people.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that without affirmative action, the situation could have been even worse. Affirmative action policies were implemented to address a long history of discrimination and to provide opportunities for those who had been systematically excluded. While it may not have been able to create a completely equal society in the short term, it played a vital role in recognizing and remedying past injustices.

It is worth noting that there were criticisms of affirmative action during this period. Some argued that it was unpopular, led to lower self-esteem among women and Black Americans, and promoted the promotion of underqualified individuals. However, there is no substantial evidence to support these claims. In fact, opinion polls showed relatively high levels of approval for the principle of affirmative action.

In conclusion, the impact of Affirmative Action in the 1960s and 1970s was limited in absolute terms, as significant inequalities persisted. However, it cannot be denied that affirmative action played a crucial role in addressing discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for marginalized groups. The statistical evidence of increased representation and opportunities for minorities and women in the workforce demonstrates its effectiveness. Affirmative action was pursued by both parties and enjoyed considerable public support. While it may not have been able to create a new society on its own, it was an important step towards recognizing and remedying past injustices.