Minority group facts for kids
A minority group is a group of people who are different from the largest group in a society. They might be different in their religion, race, or language. They could also be people with disabilities.
A minority group isn't always smaller in numbers. Sometimes, a group can be a minority even if there are many people in it. This happens when they have less power, social status, or wealth compared to the main group. For example, women are often considered a minority group in terms of power, even though there are about as many women as men in the world. This is because they might have fewer opportunities or less influence in some areas.
It's important to protect minority groups. Organizations like the United Nations and the Council of Europe work to make sure these groups have their rights protected. This helps prevent discrimination and makes sure everyone is treated fairly.
Contents
What is a Minority Group?
A minority group is a part of society that is different from the main group. This difference can be about many things. It's not just about how many people are in the group. It's also about how much power or influence they have.
Different Kinds of Minority Groups
There are many types of minority groups. Each group has its own unique characteristics.
Religious Minorities
These are people who follow a religion that is not the most common one in their country. For example, in a country where most people are Christian, a group of people who are Buddhist would be a religious minority.
Ethnic and Racial Minorities
An ethnic group shares a common culture, history, or origin. A racial group often shares similar physical traits. When these groups are not the largest in a society, they are considered ethnic or racial minorities.
Language Minorities
These groups speak a language that is different from the main language spoken in their area. For instance, if most people speak English, a community that speaks only French would be a language minority.
People with Disabilities
People with disabilities are also considered a minority group. This is because they often face challenges or barriers that people without disabilities do not. These barriers can be in getting around, learning, or finding jobs.
Gender Minorities
Sometimes, a group can be a minority even if their numbers are large. Women are an example of a gender minority. Even though there are many women, they might have less power or fewer opportunities than men in some societies. This is why it's important to work for equal rights for everyone.
Protecting Minority Rights
Protecting minority rights means making sure all groups are treated fairly. It means they have the same opportunities and protections as the main group.
International Protection
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is an agreement by the United Nations. Its Article 27 says that minority groups have rights that must be protected. The Council of Europe also works to protect these groups in Europe. These agreements help make sure that everyone, no matter their background, can live freely and safely.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Minoría para niños
