minoritymajority

Minority-majority is a demographic term describing a population in which no single racial, ethnic, or linguistic group constitutes more than half of residents; the combined share of what are commonly referred to as minority groups exceeds 50%. This configuration often results from immigration, differential birth rates, and demographic aging. The concept is used to describe both countries and subnational regions (such as states, provinces, or cities), where several minority groups collectively form the majority.

In the United States, the term is often used to discuss national projections and state-level realities. Some scholars and agencies project that the US will become majority-minority by mid-century, with certain states such as California, Hawaii, and New Mexico already qualifying in recent census data. The exact composition varies by measure (racial, ethnic, or multiracial categories) and by year.

Implications include changes in political representation, education, business markets, and social policy. Some observers emphasize that a majority-minority population does not guarantee a lack of majority political power for any one group and that social cohesion depends on inclusive institutions. The label "minority" can be contested, as it depends on context and may shift over time as populations change.

Critiques point to potential overgeneralization, overlooking internal diversity, and the risk of framing demographic change as a threat rather than a feature of diversity. The term is used primarily in demography and policy discussions and may be replaced by more nuanced descriptions of specific groups and trends.