underrepresented

Underrepresented describes a group whose presence in a given setting is fewer than expected based on its share in a reference population. The term is used across disciplines—statistics, sociology, education, business—to flag disparities where certain groups are less visible or active than their proportion in the relevant population would predict. The reference population may be a national or local population, a workforce, or a pool of eligible candidates, and the expected share is determined by demographic composition or policy targets. Underrepresentation can appear in labor markets, higher education, media representation, governance, and research participation.

Causes are multifaceted, including historical discrimination, barriers to access, unequal resources, bias in selection processes, and the leaky pipeline in education and careers. Measurement depends on reliable data and appropriate baselines; misalignment of reference groups or small sample sizes can misrepresent levels of underrepresentation. Intersections of identity (race, gender, class, disability) can compound underrepresentation.

Responses aim to increase representation through outreach, scholarships, affirmative-action-like policies, hiring quotas (where legal), inclusive curricula, mentorship, and transparent reporting of demographic data. Critics warn that focusing on representation alone may overlook quality, merit, or spillover effects; thus, measures are often paired with broader equity and inclusion goals.