Minority vs. Majority: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Minority is a smaller part of a group, less than half; Majority is the greater part, more than half.
Key Differences
Minority typically refers to a group or segment of a population that is smaller in number compared to another. This group may be defined by race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. In contrast, the majority represents the larger part of a population, often holding more influence or power within a society. While minorities may have unique cultural or social identities, the majority is often seen as the standard or dominant group within a society.
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Nov 10, 2023
In political contexts, a minority group may have less representation or power compared to the majority, which often dominates decision-making processes. Majorities, by virtue of their numbers, have a significant impact on politics, culture, and societal norms. However, minorities play a crucial role in bringing diverse perspectives and challenging the status quo, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic society.
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In legal terms, minority can also refer to individuals under a certain age, usually considered not yet fully responsible or independent, while the majority denotes those who have reached the age of legal adulthood and are fully responsible for their actions. This legal distinction emphasizes the difference in rights and responsibilities between the two groups, with the majority enjoying full legal privileges.
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In a business or corporate setting, minority stakeholders hold a smaller portion of shares and therefore generally have less influence over company decisions, unlike majority stakeholders who control a larger share and consequently wield more power. Despite this, minority shareholders are essential for providing diverse viewpoints and checks on majority decisions, fostering balanced governance.
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From a cultural perspective, minority groups often maintain distinct traditions, languages, or beliefs that differ from the mainstream culture, which is predominantly influenced by the majority. These cultural distinctions enrich the societal tapestry, adding variety and depth. Majorities, while often setting cultural norms, can benefit from the cultural exchange and learning opportunities presented by minority groups, leading to a more diverse and tolerant society.
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Comparison Chart
Numerical Representation
Less than half of a total population
More than half of a total population
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Social Context
Often a less powerful or less dominant group
Typically the more powerful or dominant group
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Decision Making
Smaller number of votes or support
Larger number of votes, often decisive
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Cultural Implication
May signify cultural, ethnic, or religious diversity
Often represents the dominant culture or ethnicity
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Influence
Less influence in societal decisions
Greater influence in shaping societal norms
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Minority and Majority Definitions
Minority
In law, the state of being under the legal age of full responsibility.
Her inheritance was held in trust during her minority.
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Majority
The age at which a person is legally recognized as an adult.
She gained full legal rights upon reaching the majority.
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Minority
A smaller part of a group, especially in terms of population or representation.
The minority of the class voted against the proposal.
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Majority
The group or party having the greater number of votes or seats in a legislative body.
The majority party set the legislative agenda.
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Minority
A group of people differentiated from the majority by ethnicity, religion, language, or culture.
The city's population has a significant ethnic minority.
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Majority
In a legal context, the state of being of full age and capacity.
Upon reaching his majority, he took over his family business.
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Majority
The amount by which the greater number of votes cast, as in an election, exceeds the total number of remaining votes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Minority
A racial, religious, political, national, or other group thought to be different from the larger group of which it is part.
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Oct 19, 2023
Majority
The political party, group, or faction having the most power by virtue of its larger representation or electoral strength.
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Oct 19, 2023
Minority
A group having little power or representation relative to other groups within a society.
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Oct 19, 2023
Majority
(Law) The age at which a person is recognized as an adult by the law.
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Minority
(Law) The state or period of being younger than the age for legal adulthood
Still in her minority.
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Majority
More than half (50%) of some group.
The majority agreed that the new proposal was the best.
Those opposing the building plans were in the majority, so the building project was canceled.
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Oct 19, 2023
Minority
The state of being a minor; youth, the period of a person's life prior to reaching adulthood.
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Majority
The difference between the winning vote and the rest of the votes.
The winner with 53% had a 6% majority over the loser with 47%.
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Oct 19, 2023
Minority
Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority.
Most people agreed, but a sizable minority were upset by the decision.
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Majority
(dated) Legal adulthood, age of majority.
By the time I reached my majority, I had already been around the world twice.
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Minority
(US) A member of an ethnic minority.
The company claims it has hired several minorities since the complaint was lodged.
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Majority
(UK) The office held by a member of the armed forces in the rank of major.
On receiving the news of his promotion, Charles Snodgrass said he was delighted to be entering his majority.
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Minority
(sociology) A group of people seen as distinct who are subordinated and discriminated against in a society.
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Minority
Of or relating to a minority.
They hold a minority interest in the company.
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Majority
The greater number; more than half; as, a majority of mankind; a majority of the votes cast.
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Minority
Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, etc., rather than an outright majority thereof.
Minority government
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Majority
The amount or number by which one aggregate exceeds all other aggregates with which it is contrasted; especially, the number by which the votes for a successful candidate exceed those for all other candidates; as, he is elected by a majority of five hundred votes. See Plurality.
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Majority
The property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part;
The majority of his customers prefer it
The bulk of the work is finished
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Minority
The smaller number; - opposed to majority; as, the minority must be ruled by the majority.
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Minority
Those members of a legislature that belong to the political party which is in the minority in that institution; as, the bill will pass even if the minority are strongly opposed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Majority
The age at which a person is considered competent to manage their own affairs
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Minority
A group of people who differ racially or politically from a larger group of which it is a part
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Oct 19, 2023
Majority
The greater number or part of a whole.
The majority of the employees agreed with the new policy.
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Minority
Being or relating to the smaller in number of two parts;
When the vote was taken they were in the minority
He held a minority position
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Majority
The number of votes or opinions that surpasses half of the total number.
The decision was made by a clear majority.
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Minority
In the context of age, those who are below the legal adult age.
He started his first business while still in his minority.
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Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does majority mean?
Majority refers to the greater part or number of a whole, often more than half of a given population or group.
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Can an individual be part of both a minority and a majority?
Yes, depending on context. For example, someone can be in a racial minority but a gender majority.
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What is a minority?
A minority is a group constituting a smaller part of a larger population, often differentiated by characteristics like ethnicity, religion, or race.
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Is majority always more than 50%?
Yes, majority typically means more than 50% of a particular group or population.
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Is minority only used to describe racial groups?
No, it can describe any smaller group within a larger context, including political, cultural, or religious groups.
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Does minority imply disadvantage?
Often, but not always. Minorities can face systemic challenges but it’s not a universal rule.
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Can minorities have significant influence?
Yes, minorities can exert significant cultural, economic, or political influence.
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Does majority rule apply in all democracies?
Majority rule is a common principle, but democracies also have measures to protect minority rights.
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Can a majority group be marginalized?
Rarely, but in some contexts, majority groups can face systemic disadvantages.
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Can minority status change over time?
Yes, demographic shifts can change minority status over time.
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Can majority refer to an opinion?
Yes, it can refer to the opinion held by the greater number of people in a group.
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Does majority mean the same as plurality?
No, plurality refers to having the largest share, which might not be a majority.
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Is a majority always dominant in a society?
Generally, yes, though there can be exceptions depending on the societal context.
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Do minorities have specific rights in international law?
Yes, international laws and conventions often provide for the protection and rights of minority groups.
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Can societal norms be influenced by a minority?
Yes, minorities can and do influence societal norms, trends, and policies.
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Is the concept of majority used in voting?
Yes, it’s often used to describe the requirement for decision-making in voting contexts.
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Nov 10, 2023
How is minority status legally recognized?
It varies by country, but minority groups can be recognized through laws and policies for protection and rights.
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Are minorities always smaller in numbers?
Typically, yes, but ‘minority’ can also refer to power dynamics rather than just numbers.
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Nov 10, 2023
Is the term majority used in legal contexts?
Yes, especially in legislative and judicial decisions, as well as in age-related legal status (age of majority).
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Can a person belong to multiple minorities?
Yes, an individual can belong to multiple minority groups, such as racial, sexual orientation, and religious minorities.
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Nov 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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