Minority group

Minority group refers to a category of people who are differentiated from the social majority, those who hold the majority of positions of social power in a society, and it may be defined by law. The differentiation can be based on one or more observable human characteristics, including, for example, ethnicity, race, religion, caste, gender, wealth, health or sexual orientation. Usage of the term is applied to various situations and civilizations within history, despite its popular misassociation with a numerical, statistical minority. In the social sciences, a minority group refers to a category of people who experience relative disadvantage as compared to members of a dominant social group.

Definition and characteristics

The term minority group often occurs within the discourse of civil rights and collective rights, as members of minority groups are prone to differential treatment in the countries and societies in which they live. Minority group membership is typically based on differences in observable characteristics or practices, such as: ethnicity (ethnic, racial, religious, or national minorities), sexual orientation (LGBT), and disability.

Minority rights

Minority rights are the normal individual rights as applied to members of racial, ethnic, class, religious, linguistic or gender and sexual minorities, and also the collective rights accorded to any minority group.

Minority groups in society

Minority groups can be based on race or ethnicity, but also on other factors such as religion or income. Some examples of minority groups include:

• African Americans - A racial group in the United States with African ancestry.
• Hispanic and Latino Americans - An ethnic group in the United States with Hispanic and Latino ancestry.
• LGBT community - A group identified by their sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Disabled people - A group identified by their physical or mental disabilities.

See also

• Majority
• Social group
• Discrimination
• Prejudice
• Stereotype