Final answer:
A minority group is defined by sociologists as any group that, due to physical or cultural characteristics, is subject to differential and unequal treatment, such as during apartheid in South Africa or the LGBTQ community. These groups are identified not by their numbers but by their lack of power in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing minority groups, it's essential to consider the historical and sociological context. A quintessential scenario representing the occurrence of a minority's unique characteristics can be seen in the dynamics of apartheid in South Africa. During apartheid, the Black majority population was legally and systematically oppressed by a White minority government. Despite being numerically superior, the Black South Africans lacked power and were subjected to discrimination based on distinct racial features and cultural characteristics.
According to sociologists like Louis Wirth and others, minority groups are not necessarily determined by numerical count but rather by the relative lack of power or dominance in society. Characteristics such as ethnicity, language, religion, or even sexual orientation can make certain groups stand out as minorities. For example, the LGBTQ community often shares experiences of differential treatment and societal exclusion that they do not share with the heterosexual majority.
It is paramount to remember that while studying social groups, we should avoid generalizations that could lead to stereotypes and prejudice. Each individual's experience is unique, and though we may belong to certain social categories like race or gender, no two people's experiences are completely identical.