Reverse discrimination is a controversial term that refers to the act of giving preferential treatment to individuals who are typically considered to be disadvantaged, often resulting in discrimination against those who are not. The spelling of the word uses the /r/ and /v/ voiced consonants followed by a vowel sound /ɜː/. The second syllable of the word begins with the unvoiced consonant sound /s/ followed by a vowel sound /kr/. Finally, the word ends with the voiced consonant sound /ʃ/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "reverse discrimination" is /rɪˈvɜːs dɪsˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/.
Reverse discrimination refers to the perceived unfair treatment or prejudice against individuals who belong to a historically advantaged group, based on their race, ethnicity, sex, or other social categories. Unlike traditional discrimination, which involves the mistreatment of disadvantaged groups, reverse discrimination occurs when members of historically privileged groups face discrimination in favor of less privileged groups, as a means to address historical inequalities or engage in affirmative action initiatives.
Within the context of affirmative action, reverse discrimination may refer to instances where members of historically disadvantaged groups are granted preferential treatment in employment or educational opportunities, while members of historically advantaged groups are seemingly disadvantaged. This can be seen as an effort to rectify past injustices and promote diversity and inclusivity. However, it is important to note that the existence and extent of reverse discrimination are highly debated, with varying viewpoints on whether it truly occurs or if it is merely a perception fueled by resistance to change or concerns about loss of privilege.
Critics of affirmative action argue that reverse discrimination can perpetuate new forms of injustice, by unfairly disadvantaging members of historically privileged groups who may not bear personal responsibility for past inequality. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that affirmative action programs are necessary to counteract systemic discrimination and promote fairness and equality. The concept of reverse discrimination has been subject to legal challenges in some jurisdictions, with courts examining and weighing the constitutionality and necessity of affirmative action policies.
The term "reverse discrimination" is formed by combining the words "reverse" and "discrimination".
The word "discrimination" has Latin roots, derived from the verb "discriminare", meaning "to distinguish" or "to make distinctions". It entered the English language in the mid-17th century and originally meant to recognize or perceive a difference between things or people.
The addition of the word "reverse" to discrimination in the phrase "reverse discrimination" indicates a reversal or inversion of the usual order or direction. In this context, it refers to a situation where individuals from historically privileged groups perceive themselves as being discriminated against based on their race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
The term "reverse discrimination" gained prominence in the late 1960s during the civil rights movement in the United States.