A Brief Review of Public Opinion on Affirmative Action
An often lamented assumption about affirmative action is that the public no longer supports this policy. However, public opinion polls suggest that at least a plurality, if not a slim majority, of Americans do support the general idea of affirmative action. Readers should be cautious in interpreting the level of support for affirmative action, considering not only the question wording used, but also the context (education or employment) and subject of the policy (blacks/minorities versus women).
Media and elite framing of affirmative action policy has had an indelible impact on how Americans view this policy. Research suggests that when the issue is framed as allowing for "quotas" or exacting "preferential treatment," opposition increases, as it suggests an undesirable or unfair advantage to those who have not earned it; conversely, when the issue is presented as "opportunity enhancing," a more supportive stance results.
Click on the affirmative action-related questions to see the responses pulled from a variety of polling sources.
- What do you think should happen to affirmative action programs? Should they be ended now, should they be phased out over the next few years, or should affirmative action programs be continued for the foreseeable future?
- Would you support a candidate who supports affirmative action in higher education?
- Some people say that because of past discrimination, blacks should be given preference in hiring and promotion. Others say that such preference in hiring and promotion of blacks is wrong because it gives blacks advantages they haven’t earned. What about your opinion – are you for or against preferential hiring and promotion of blacks?
- Do you generally favor or oppose affirmative action programs for racial minorities?
- In order to overcome past discrimination, do you favor or oppose affirmative action programs…
a. …designed to help blacks, women and other minorities get better jobs and education?
b. …which give special preferences to qualified blacks, women and other minorities in hiring and education?
- All in all, do you think affirmative action programs designed to increase the number of black and minority students on college campuses:
a. …are a good thing or a bad thing?
b. …are fair or unfair?
- Do you favor or opposed affirmative action programs for minorities and women for admission to colleges and universities?
Do you favor or opposed affirmative action programs for minorities and women for job hiring in the workplace?
- In general, do you think we need to increase, keep the same, or decrease affirmative action programs in this country?
- Do you generally favor or oppose affirmative actions for women and minorities?
- In order to make up for past discrimination, do you favor or oppose programs which make special efforts to help minorities get ahead?
