Whitelash

Whitelash Definition

Whitelash is a term used to describe the reaction or backlash against affirmative action policies, particularly those that grant preferential treatment in areas such as the labour market to members of minority groups. This phenomenon reflects resistance to specific government policies aimed at achieving diversity and equity.

Historical Context and Manifestation

The concept has been frequently criticised for its racist undertones. Historically, the whitelash is often cited in relation to political shifts, specifically accounting for the dominance of the Republican party within the US Congress during the early 1990s. This political trend was partly driven by a segment of the white electorate who opposed the affirmative action programmes implemented under the Clinton administration.