Majority and minority
The concepts of majority and minority pertain to the distribution of power, resources, and social norms within a society. The majority, typically defined as the group holding the most power, sets societal values that often favor their interests, leading to privileges such as access to better housing, education, and income. In contrast, minority groups may face systemic disadvantages despite their potential numerical strength in certain contexts, as seen with Black Americans in some urban areas who represent a larger population yet encounter fewer opportunities. The relationship between these groups is further complicated by the intersection of class and ethnicity; economic status can influence a minority group's acceptance within the majority. Consequently, societal divisions based on majority and minority are frequently reflective of economic class distinctions rather than purely demographic factors. Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the complexities of social inequality and the challenges faced by different groups in pursuing equity and justice.
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Majority and minority
In general, the value placed on different racial and ethnic backgrounds is determined by the majority, those who hold power in a society. By establishing the values and norms of society, the majority consciously and unconsciously create a social structure that operates in their favor. Their positions of power allow them to enjoy certain privileges, including better housing, better schools, and higher incomes.
Because the resources and rewards found in society are limited, the privileged position of the majority is often gained at the expense of the opportunities available to minority groups within the society. Although the term minority often means less than half of the whole, when applied to people, it does not necessarily refer to numerical proportion. Some minority groups, such as Black Americans in some American cities, have more members than the majority but receive fewer economic and political opportunities.
If a minority group has economic resources or a good education, its acceptance by the majority is typically easier. This is especially so in the United States, where class is largely defined by economic success. Although extreme economic and social inequalities continue to divide Americans into majority and minority groups, the divisions tend to be more a reflection of economic class than of ethnicity.
Bibliography
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