Sociologist have identified five basic properties of a
minority group such as – physical or cultural traits, unequal treatment,
ascribed status, solidarity, and in-group marriage.
According to Charles Wagley and Marvin Harris (1958), a
minority group is distinguished by five characteristics: (1) unequal treatment
and less power over their lives, (2) distinguishing physical or cultural traits
like skin color or language, (3) involuntary membership in the group, (4)
awareness of subordination, and (5) high rate of in-group marriage.
According to
Feagin (1984), a minority group has five characteristics: (1) suffering
discrimination and subordination, (2) physical and/or cultural traits that set
them apart, and which are disapproved by the dominant group, (3) a shared sense
of collective identity and common burdens, (4) socially shared rules about who
belongs and who does not determine minority status, and (5) tendency to marry
within the group.
Sociologist have recognized some basic characteristics of a
minority group such as –
- Physically and/or Socially visible group characteristics;
- Self-conscious group with a strong sense of oneness;
- Minority group suffers from unequal treatment;
- Membership in minority group is not voluntary;
- Minority people marry within the group;
- Minority status does not always depend upon numerical strength;
A minority group is
a subordinate social group. Its members suffer disadvantages resulting from
prejudice and discrimination. These may include segregation and persecution.
· The members of a minority group have their own physic, culture,
dialect etc., which the dominant group holds in low esteem. The group usually
has distinguished characteristics.
- The members of a minority group identify themselves as a part of the group. There is an in –group feeling of loyalty.
- Membership of a minority group is usually not voluntary. It is by birth.
- Membership of a minority group have strong bounds of brotherhood and generally believe in endogamy
- These members show a sense of solidarity towards preserving their culture, traditions religion and language.