key term - Special Consideration

Definition

Special consideration refers to the practice of providing preferential treatment or additional support to individuals or groups who are historically disadvantaged or underrepresented in various fields, such as education and employment. This concept is closely linked to affirmative action policies, which aim to address inequalities by ensuring that those who face barriers have equal opportunities to succeed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Special consideration is often implemented in college admissions processes to increase diversity and promote social equity.
2. This practice can include adjusting admission standards for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
3. Special consideration may also apply to hiring practices, where employers seek to create a more diverse workforce.
4. Critics argue that special consideration can lead to reverse discrimination against those who do not receive such benefits.
5. Legal challenges have influenced how special consideration is applied, with courts often reviewing the criteria used to ensure they align with constitutional standards.

Review Questions

• How does special consideration relate to the principles of affirmative action in educational settings?
  • Special consideration is a key component of affirmative action in education, as it aims to create a level playing field for students from historically marginalized backgrounds. By granting special consideration during the admissions process, educational institutions can increase diversity and address systemic inequalities. This helps ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to opportunities that may have previously been out of reach.
• Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing special consideration in hiring practices.
  • Implementing special consideration in hiring practices can promote diversity and inclusivity within the workplace, leading to a broader range of perspectives and ideas. However, critics argue that it may result in reverse discrimination, where qualified candidates are overlooked due to their background. Balancing these benefits and drawbacks requires careful consideration of how special consideration is applied and ensuring it aligns with broader goals of equity and fairness in employment.
• Evaluate the impact of legal challenges on the application of special consideration in both education and employment sectors.
  • Legal challenges have significantly shaped how special consideration is implemented in education and employment sectors. Court rulings often scrutinize the criteria used for granting special consideration to ensure they are equitable and do not violate anti-discrimination laws. As a result, these legal battles have prompted organizations to reassess their policies, leading to more structured approaches that strive for diversity while maintaining fairness for all applicants. This ongoing evaluation reflects society's evolving understanding of equity and inclusion.

Related terms

Affirmative Action:

A set of policies and practices designed to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups in education and employment.

Equity: The principle of fairness that involves providing different levels of support based on individual needs and circumstances to achieve equal outcomes.

Discrimination:

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or disability.