Editorial: Three Perspectives of Employment Discrimination 50 Years After the Civil Rights Act-A Promise Fulfilled?

Abstract

Purpose: In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this paper reviews contradictory perspectives of the status of employment discrimination. Design/Methodology/Approach: Arguments are derived from psychology, management, law, and political science to contrast perspectives that civil rights legislation has (a) done its job, (b) gone too far, and (c) not gone far enough. Findings: We determine that disagreement is inevitable and that no unified conclusion can be drawn. Recognition of the viewpoints embedded in opposing perspectives, however, offers direction for the future of organizational science and practice. Implications: Consideration of these disparate views of civil rights legislation enables thoughtful reflection on the past, present, and future of civil rights legislation. Originality/Value: This paper offers a variety of lenses through which to consider employment discrimination in the organizational sciences and underscores the value of the papers collected in the special issue. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.