Question

Which kind of minority is typically defined by physical characteristics?

1) Ethnic minority
2) Racial minority
3) Religious minority
4) Gender minority

Answer 1

A racial minority is defined by physical characteristics, such as skin color and facial features, and these groups are marked by a lack of power and the discrimination they may face.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kind of minority typically defined by physical characteristics is a racial minority. A racial minority is composed of individuals who are singled out due to superficial physical differences, which a particular society deems significant, such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture. This differentiation is not necessarily representative of the number of individuals within the population, but rather the reduced power and status and the discrimination they may face based on these physical distinctions.

It is important to recognize the distinct meanings of race, ethnicity, and minority group in sociological terms. While race is associated with physical traits, ethnicity pertains to shared cultural practices, beliefs, and language. A minority group, or subordinate group, is one that experiences a lack of power and unequal treatment within a society, which can occur due to various factors, including physical or cultural characteristics, as defined by sociologist Louis Wirth in 1945.