Question

A minority group is a readily identifiable subset of the U.S. population that is distinguished by racial, ethnic, and/or cultural heritage.

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Answer 1

A minority group is characterized by differences in physical or cultural traits that lead to unequal treatment and less power within society. The concept highlights societal power dynamics rather than numerical majority or minority status.

Step-by-step explanation:

A minority group is defined by sociologist Louis Wirth 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." Charles Wagley and Marvin Harris further characterized these groups by five distinct features:

1. Unequal treatment and less power over their lives,
2. Distinguishing physical or cultural traits such as skin color or language,
3. Involuntary membership in the group,
4. Awareness of subordination, and
5. High rate of in-group marriage.

Importantly, a numerical minority status does not necessarily define a minority group. It is the lack of power that predominantly characterizes a minority or subordinate group. For instance, during apartheid in South Africa, despite being the numerical majority, Black inhabitants were oppressed by the White minority, illustrating the power dynamic central to the definition of minority groups in society.