MINORITY GROUPS Meaning and
Definition
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Minority groups refer to segments of a population that are characterized by their smaller numbers compared to a dominant or majority group within a particular society. These groups generally possess distinct cultural, religious, ethnic, linguistic, or racial identities that distinguish them from the larger population. Minority groups are often subjected to limited representation or influence in political, economic, and social systems.
This categorization is not solely based on numeric proportions, as minority status can also result from factors like power imbalances or historical disadvantages. The term encompasses several types of marginalized communities, such as racial minorities (e.g., African Americans, Indigenous peoples), religious minorities (e.g., Jews, Muslims), linguistic minorities (e.g., speakers of indigenous languages), and cultural minorities (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals).
Minority groups typically experience social, economic, and political disparities due to systemic discrimination, prejudice, and unequal access to resources and opportunities. These disparities may manifest in lower representation in positions of power, unequal treatment by law enforcement or judicial systems, limited educational or employment opportunities, and restricted access to healthcare, among other factors. Efforts to promote equality often focus on addressing these disparities and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for minority groups to empower them and foster social cohesion in diverse societies.
Common Misspellings for MINORITY GROUPS
- ninority groups
- kinority groups
- jinority groups
- munority groups
- mjnority groups
- mknority groups
- monority groups
- m9nority groups
- m8nority groups
- mibority groups
- mimority groups
- mijority groups
- mihority groups
- minirity groups
- minkrity groups
- minlrity groups
- minprity groups
- min0rity groups
- min9rity groups
- minoeity groups
Etymology of MINORITY GROUPS
The term "minority groups" is composed of two parts: "minority" and "groups".
"Minority" comes from the Latin word "minoritas", which means "lessness" or "smaller number". It originated from the Latin comparative adjective "minor", meaning "lesser" or "smaller", and the suffix "-itas", which forms nouns indicating state or condition. The term "minority" was introduced into English in the early 19th century, primarily to describe a group that is numerically smaller or lacks power or influence in relation to another dominant group.
"Groups", on the other hand, has its roots in the Middle English word "group", which came from the Italian "gruppo", meaning "a cluster or knot" and in turn derived from the Germanic word "kruppaz" or "crop".
