Affirmative action refers to a set of policies and practices within a government or organization seeking to benefit marginalized groups. Historically and internationally, support for affirmative action has been justified by the idea that it may help with bridging inequalities in employment and pay, increasing access to education, and promoting diversity, social equity and redressing alleged wrongs, harms, or hindrances, also called substantive equality.

सकारात्मक विभेद ([[अंग्रेजी:Affirmative action या positive discrimination) किसी ऐसे समूह को विभेदित करते हुए लाभ पहुँचने का कार्य है जो सामाजिक रूप से वंचित रहे हैं और वहाँ की संस्कृति में भेदभाव का शिकार रहे हैं।