positive discrimination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, technical, political, legal
Quick answer
What does “positive discrimination” mean?
The practice of giving advantage to groups in society that are often treated unfairly, because of their race, sex, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of giving advantage to groups in society that are often treated unfairly, because of their race, sex, etc.
A policy or system, often implemented by organisations or governments, that aims to counter historical or systemic disadvantages by favouring members of underrepresented or historically discriminated-against groups in areas such as employment, education, or political representation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'positive discrimination' is more commonly used in British English. In American English, the synonymous term 'affirmative action' is overwhelmingly preferred in most contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, 'positive discrimination' can be used in both descriptive and critical contexts. In the US, 'affirmative action' is the formal, legal, and institutional term, while 'positive discrimination' is less common and may be used by critics of such policies.
Frequency
In UK media, legal, and HR contexts, 'positive discrimination' is standard. In US equivalents, 'affirmative action' is near-universal.
Grammar
How to Use “positive discrimination” in a Sentence
[organisation] practises positive discrimination in [area][policy] constitutes positive discriminationto be accused of positive discriminationto implement positive discriminationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “positive discrimination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council was accused of positively discriminating in favour of local applicants.
- They are not allowed to positively discriminate on grounds of race.
American English
- The program aims to affirmatively act to include minority contractors.
- The court ruled the university could not discriminate positively in this manner.
adverb
British English
- The seats were allocated positively discriminatorily.
- They hired positively, focusing on underrepresented groups.
American English
- The company recruits affirmatively to build a diverse workforce.
- The admissions office considers applications holistically.
adjective
British English
- A positive-discrimination policy was introduced last year.
- They took positive discrimination measures.
American English
- The affirmative-action plan was reviewed by the board.
- They implemented diversity-focused hiring protocols.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in HR departments regarding recruitment and promotion strategies to improve diversity.
Academic
Analysed in sociology, political science, and law papers concerning equality, social justice, and policy effectiveness.
Everyday
Used in discussions about fairness in job hiring, university admissions, or political representation.
Technical
Defined in legal statutes and employment law; subject to specific legal tests and limitations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “positive discrimination”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “positive discrimination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “positive discrimination”
- Using it interchangeably with 'diversity' (which is a goal, not a policy). Confusing it with general 'non-discrimination' or 'equal opportunity' policies. Assuming it is universally legal (in many jurisdictions, e.g., the UK, it is illegal in its strictest form, unlike 'positive action').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the jurisdiction. In the UK and EU, positive discrimination (favouring someone solely because of a protected characteristic) is generally illegal. However, 'positive action' (taking steps to encourage underrepresented groups) is permitted. In the US, 'affirmative action' has a complex legal status, allowed in some forms in education and employment but subject to strict scrutiny.
Positive action refers to measures like targeted training or outreach to encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. Positive discrimination goes further by directly favouring a candidate from an underrepresented group over another candidate specifically because of that characteristic, often regardless of who is more qualified.
This is a major point of debate. Supporters argue it is a necessary tool to correct historic imbalances quickly and create role models. Opponents argue it can be patronising, cause resentment, and lead to the hiring or promotion of less-qualified individuals, potentially undermining the credibility of beneficiaries.
Common arguments include: it is a form of reverse discrimination, it undermines meritocracy, it can stigmatise beneficiaries (the 'tokenism' argument), it treats groups as monoliths rather than individuals, and it can perpetuate racial/group categories rather than moving beyond them.
The practice of giving advantage to groups in society that are often treated unfairly, because of their race, sex, etc.
Positive discrimination is usually formal, technical, political, legal in register.
Positive discrimination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɒz.ə.tɪv dɪˌskrɪm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv dɪˌskrɪm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A thumb on the scale”
- “Leveling the playing field (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POSITIVE' as in 'aiming for a good outcome', plus 'DISCRIMINATION' as in 'choosing between groups'. It's choosing group A over group B for a positive societal goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL JUSTICE AS BALANCING SCALES (righting a historical imbalance).
Practice
Quiz
In which region is the term 'affirmative action' most commonly used as a synonym for 'positive discrimination'?