Written by an anti-racism, journalist, this text focuses on white privileges in all levels of education, comparing the magnitude of white racial preference with the policies envisioned when using this term. It also demonstrates that the American system of education is a reflection of, and a contributor to a structure of institutionalized racism.

Unlike most books on the market that focus predominantly on white privilege in the labour market, this concise text takes a detailed look into this controversial but topical subject in all realms of education too. Wise compares the magnitude of white racial preference with the policies typically envisioned, when the term racial preference is used, and demonstrates that the American system of education is both a reflection of, and a contributor to a structure of institutionalized racism and racial preference for the dominant majority. Tim Wise is a nationally recognized anti-racist writer and activist, regularly advising institutions on methods for dismantling racism from within. Using a collection of data and empirical evidence, Wise writes passionately attracting a wide audience. Not only is this text suitable for those studying sociology, education, ethnic studies and political science, the factual and concise style will attract civil rights advocates, attorneys, researchers and general readers. "Affirmative Action" seeks to shift the emphasis from 'should colleges and universities provide racial preferences to people of colour?' to 'should the nation's educational system continue to provide racial preferences to whites?'.