positive actionnoun [ U ]
ukusUK UK also positive discrimination, US affirmative action HR, LAWaction to make education, employment, etc. available to members of groups who have traditionally been treated unfairly, for example because of their race or sex:
It is our duty, as members of a party devoted to equal opportunities, to work together for positive action.
Men under 40 are twice as likely to favour positive discrimination for women as those aged over 40.
Affirmative action was introduced in the wake of the civil rights movement to offset discrimination in education and employment.
Compare
reverse discrimination