Affirmative action refers to policies aimed at increasing the numbers of people from certain social groups in employment, education, business, government, and other areas. In the United States, these groups are women and such minorities as African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, disabled people, and Vietnam veterans. In general, affirmative action is intended to benefit groups that are thought to have suffered from discrimination. But critics argue that some groups benefit from affirmative action as a result of their political influence.