Final answer:
The term for the phenomenon of marginalizing the poor and BME groups is Marginalization, and a defining feature of a minority group is their lack of power in society. Sociologist Louis Wirth's definition underscores the differential and unequal treatment experienced by minority groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes the phenomenon of marginalizing the poor and members of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) groups is C) Marginalization.
Marginalization refers to the process by which certain groups are pushed to the edge of society and accorded lesser importance. This is often a result of the way society is structured and operates, leading to those with less power being treated unequally.
One defining feature of a minority group is c) Lack of power. Minority groups are often at a disadvantage compared to the dominant group in terms of accessing resources, power, and opportunities, regardless of their actual numerical representation within a population.
The term minority has persisted because it conveys the status of groups that are treated differently and have less power, even though the word subordinate may be more descriptive of their reduced power status.
Sociologist Louis Wirth defined a minority group as "any group of people who, because of their physical or cultural characteristics, are singled out from the others in the society in which they live for differential and unequal treatment, and who therefore regard themselves as objects of collective discrimination."