This volume evaluates the success of translating a policy to create greater equality of opportunity and employment fairness from the context of race in America to that of religion/sectarianism in Northern Ireland. It argues that too much was expected of affirmative action in this case.

Affirmative action has turned sour in the United States. A policy designed to create greater equality of opportunity and employment fairness for minorities has come to be seen by many as one which gives them preference over whites (and white males in particular). This turn of events may have potentially damaging consequences in Northern Ireland where the American model of affirmative action was adopted in 1989 to promote employment equity and reduce the difference in unemployment rates between the two communities. Affirmative action was to be the cutting edge of legislation intended to contribute significantly to a reduction of sectarian differences. This volume evaluates the success of translating a policy from the context of race in America to that of religion and sectarianism in Northern Ireland. It argues that too much was expected of affirmative action in Northern Ireland for it ever to be successful, and that any degree of failure risks the same fate as in America.

Affirmative action and religious enquiry
sectarian policies
the American and British models
affirmative action and the Fair Employment Act
responding to new demands
religion and employment
discrimination disputed
some grounds for optimism
matters for consideration
the case for preferential treatment.