What is a minority group? Cite the five defining characteristics of a minority group. Based on the five defining characteristics, are women considered a minority group? Why or why not?
What will be an ideal response?
Answers will vary but should first include the definition of a minority group. A minority group experiences systematic disadvantage and has a visible identifying trait. The group is self-conscious, and membership is usually determined at birth. Members tend to form intimate relations within the group. The five defining characteristics of a minority group include inequality, visibility, awareness, ascription, and intimate relationships. Women may be considered a minority group because they are not in a position of dominance within society. Women experience institutionalized discrimination which contributes to inequality (such as pay disparities); women possess physical traits different from that of the dominant group; many women are aware of their differentiation from the dominant group as well as their shared disadvantage. In general, being a woman is an ascribed status that is assigned at birth. And finally, women often form emotionally close bonds with other women who can relate to their experiences.
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Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
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a. the pantheon b. the value system c. the cult d. the sacred
A minimum-security facility that has no fences or walls surrounding it is called a(n) ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
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A. Feminist B. Functionalist C. Conflict D. Interactionist