minoritygroup

A minority group refers to a population that differs from the dominant group in one or more attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, language, or culture, and that experiences comparatively less political influence, social power, or access to resources. The term emphasizes social power and visibility in addition to numerical size; a group may be small in number yet marginalized, or large but underrepresented.

Characteristics commonly associated with minority groups include a shared identity, distinct cultural practices, and a history of discrimination or exclusion. Minority status is context-dependent and can change with shifts in demographics, laws, or governance. Intergroup relations, media representation, and policy choices shape their experiences.

Examples include ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, religious minorities, linguistic minorities, and immigrant communities. Some countries protect minority rights in constitutions or laws, and international instruments prohibit discrimination and safeguard cultural, religious, and language rights. Protection frameworks aim to balance individual rights with certain group rights in areas such as education, language use, and public participation.

Common challenges include discrimination, unequal access to education and employment, political underrepresentation, and social exclusion. Remedies often involve anti-discrimination legislation, language and cultural rights, targeted social and economic programs, and efforts to promote inclusive political processes. Policies must be careful to protect both group rights and individual rights without stigmatization.