What is the conservative stance on affirmative action?

Liberalism And Conservatism Questions Medium



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What is the conservative stance on affirmative action?

The conservative stance on affirmative action is generally opposed to it. Conservatives argue that affirmative action policies, which aim to address historical and ongoing discrimination by providing preferential treatment to certain groups, are inherently unfair and violate the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunity. They believe that individuals should be judged based on their individual merits and qualifications, rather than their race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Conservatives argue that affirmative action can lead to reverse discrimination, where individuals who are more qualified for a position or opportunity are overlooked in favor of less qualified individuals from underrepresented groups. They also contend that affirmative action perpetuates a victim mentality and undermines the idea of personal responsibility and self-reliance. Instead, conservatives advocate for colorblind policies that treat all individuals equally and focus on providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background.