Refers to a group of people within a society that is either small in numbers or that has little or no access to social, economic, political or religious power. Minority rights are protected by the Can [..]

A group of people who are defined on the basis of their ethnicity or race. Because of their distinct physical or cultural characteristics, they are singled out for unequal treatment within a society.

is a group which typically belongs to a larger group but with usually more conservative or liberal views that the mainstream opinion on the matter, typically seen in religious groups with small sects.

 “A readily identifiable subset of the U.S. population distinguished by racial, ethnic, and/or cultural heritage….”  [NCI]

A subgroup of society that is characterized by factors such as race, religion, nationality, or culture.

Any recognizable racial, religious, ethnic, or social group that suffers from some disadvantage resulting from the action of a dominant group with higher social status and greater privileges.

used to describe any group of people which is disadvantaged, underprivileged, excluded, discriminated against or exploited. Sociologically, the concept does not refer to demographic numbers but to subordinate status in society. (Racism. Stop it! Action 2000, Canada 1999)

A social group that occupies a subordinate position in a society, often experiences discrimination, and may be separated by physical or cultural traits that are disapproved of by the dominant group

A group that occupies a subordinate position in a society. Minorities may be separated by physical or cultural traits disapproved of by the dominant group and as a result often experience discrimination. Minorities may not always be defined along social, ethnic, religious or sexual lines but could be broad based e.g. non-citizens or foreigners.

A subgroup having special characteristics within a larger group, often bound together by special ties which distinguish it from the larger group.