Final answer:
A minority group has less power than a dominant group, and this disparity can lead to discrimination and unequal treatment. Their lack of power is the defining characteristic, and it is crucial for preventing discrimination to ensure full political empowerment and citizenship rights for all groups in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
A minority group typically has less power compared to a dominant group. This lack of power may manifest in various forms such as less control over their lives, fewer resources, limited political strength, and generally less influence in shaping the society in which they live. Minority groups are not necessarily a numerical minority; rather, their subordinate position is defined by their reduced power and unequal treatment.
According to sociologists like Louis Wirth and Charles Wagley, minority groups are characterized by their physical or cultural traits that lead to discrimination and unequal treatment. These groups often experience various forms of exclusion and unequal access to opportunities that the dominant group has. The difference between race and ethnicity is also important to understand in the context of minority and dominant groups, as ethnicity describes shared culture while racial categorization can also serve as a basis for discrimination.
Discrimination against minority groups can take the form of denying civil rights, voting rights, or citizenship and is often driven by exclusionary ideologies that legitimize the oppression of these groups. To prevent discrimination, it is crucial to ensure full political empowerment and citizenship rights for all groups in society.