Final answer:
The statement is true; the defining characteristic of a minority group is their lack of power, which is not necessarily related to their numerical representation. Minority groups, such as those under apartheid in South Africa, may face unequal treatment, and have distinct physical or cultural traits that lead them to be singled out and discriminated against.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: The minority group in an organization lacks critical power, resources, acceptance, and social status. The statement is true. It is a common misconception that a minority group is defined by a smaller number; however, the key defining feature of a minority or subordinate group is their lack of power in relation to the dominant group in society. This can lead to differential and unequal treatment in various aspects of social life.
According to sociologists, such as Charles Wagley and Marvin Harris, as well as Louis Wirth, a minority group is characterized by several aspects, including unequal treatment and less power over their lives, distinct physical or cultural traits, involuntary membership, awareness of subordination, and a tendency for in-group marriage. These characteristics can describe various groups that face discrimination, such as ethnic minorities during apartheid in South Africa, the LGBTQ community, religious minorities, or people with disabilities.
Minority groups are not necessarily fewer in number. For example, during apartheid in South Africa, the Black majority population was oppressed by the White minority. This illustrates that being in the numerical majority does not guarantee power or social status.
Furthermore, in addressing the multiple-choice question provided, the one defining feature of a minority group is c. Lack of power. This is pivotal in understanding the dynamics between dominant and subordinate groups in society.