A minority group pertains to a social unit which has less power, representation, or social influence relative to the rest of the society and suffers some form of unequal treatment, discrimination, or neglect. This definition is not purely mathematical. It is social, political and cultural standing and not headcount. For instance, in some cultures, women comprise the majority of the population, and yet in terms of power and representation, women are considered a minority. Race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or other facets of social identity can all be a basis for minority status. Belonging to a minority group is identified in psychological literature as a key element in shaping identity development, self-concept and psychological health through stereotyping, stigma and social exclusion. This is, of course, in addition to the community-safeguarding discrimination resilience, caring ties and shared identity, which are also the effects of being part of a minority group.
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