A majority minority is a group that is a numerical majority within a region but a minority elsewhere. The rise of such groups attracts attention, with some fearing it threatens culture while others welcome diversity. Despite being the majority, members of these groups can still be treated as minorities and organizing can have social consequences. Examples include Latinos and Asians in the US, who bring unique cultural traditions and raise questions about language and budget needs.
A major minority is a demographic group that has a numerical majority within a region, although it is in a minority elsewhere. One of the best examples of a majority minority are Latinos in California; taken as a percentage of the US population, Latinos are in the minority, but in California, they are actually the majority. You may also hear a majority minority referred to as a minority majority, with the difference between the two terms mainly stylistic.
The rise of a majority minority often attracts much attention from the press, politicians and others. Some people feel threatened when demographic groups that have traditionally been in the minority experience population increases, with people who fear immigration arguing that the rise of a minority threatens the very fabric of culture. Other people welcome the growth of a majority minority, especially members of that demographic, arguing that it increases diversity, as well as focusing attention on the issues faced by that minority group.
Minority-majority states like California are very interesting sociologically, because despite the fact that the “minority” has become the majority, members of that demographic are often still treated as minorities. The traditional majority may hold a disproportionate number of positions of power; in California, for example, politicians, administrators, and elected officials are often white, and Latinos experience a great deal of racism in many communities.
When members of a majority minority organize, it can have critical social consequences. In the American Southwest, for example, the Latino vote is a topic of growing interest among politicians, with many politicians actively working to court the Latino vote, as they recognize that not doing so could cost them an election. When a majority minority votes as a block, it can heavily influence an election and the issues covered in that election, such as immigration rights and legislation to combat racism.
In addition to Latino immigrants, parts of the United States have also experienced an influx of Asian immigrants. Both groups bring unique cultural traditions and values to their communities and raise questions, such as whether or not official printed materials should be distributed in multiple languages. For small communities, a majority minority can cause budget problems, as the community may need to hire translators and other staff to support the needs of the entire population, not just the former majority.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
