SOC203 Lesson 4 Assignment copy.docx - Running header:...

Running header: Lesson 4 Assignment 1
Lesson 4 Assignment
Name
Eastern Gateway Community College

Lesson 8 Assignment 2
Lesson 4 Assignment
A minority is a group of people that are singled out and treated unfairly because of their
physical or cultural traits, according to sociologist Louis Wirth. Individuals like these perceive
themselves as objects of collective discrimination. A minority group or subordinate group can be
interchangeable with the term minority group, according to Louis. A minority group is also
characterized by five main characteristics. Unequal treatment is the first characteristic. Minority
groups are treated unequally and have less control over their lives. The majority community is
normally physically and socially isolated from them. Most of the day-to-day decisions are made
by the dormant group, which is controlled by the dominant group.
Involuntary membership in a minorities group is another characteristic. Minority groups
aren't born; society pushes them to identify with them because of their physical and cultural
traits. Religious affiliations, races, genders, and ethnicities are considered social statuses
according to sociology. Minority members generally feel a strong sense of solidarity. Common
interests, unity, and agreement are the hallmarks of these groups. Individuals who feel this sense
of solidarity suffer from prejudice and discrimination. Continual discrimination towards minority
groups creates a sense of unity and solidarity among them because they feel like 'us' versus
'them,' thus bringing them together. When minority groups voice out issues affecting them in