Rethinking the Concept of "Minority": A Task for Social Scientists and Practitioners

Authors

Doris Wilkinson, University of Kentucky

Abstract

Although sociologists have articulated the components and scope of the "minority" concept, many of the characteristics are no longer germane. Originally those placed in the category were viewed as subordinate and as possessing cultural or physical qualities not approved or preferred by the larger population. There has been no systematic questioning of ingrained seductive words and value-based constructions like "minority". This brief critique offers an evaluation of the "minority" conception that is so pervasive in the social and behavioral sciences, the print and broadcast media, politics, and the entire language system.

Recommended Citation

Wilkinson, Doris (2000) "Rethinking the Concept of "Minority": A Task for Social Scientists and Practitioners," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 27: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2630
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol27/iss1/7