Definition

Minority refers to a group that is underrepresented compared to a more dominant group, but the term is not specific. The use of the term is discouraged by many groups including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, as it does not signify the diversity of groups it could refer to and can be read as placing too much emphasis on historically dominant groups. Whenever possible, it’s best for clarity to be specific about the population(s) being described. Alternative terms include people/communities of color, historically underserved populations, or, per NAHJ’s guidance, “emerging majority” if referring to statistical or data-driven information.

Additional resources

• Racial Equity Tools Glossary (Racial Equity Tools)
• Glossary of Terms: Race, Equity and Social Justice (International City/County Management Association)
• NABJ Style Guide (National Association of Black Journalists)

Summary

Minority is a term that is often used to refer to nonwhite populations but is vague and not accurate in every situation (for instance, when discussing a neighborhood whose population is majority Hispanic or Latino). Preferable alternatives if discussing in a broader sense may include people/communities of color and underrepresented populations. Whenever possible, it’s best for clarity to be specific about the population(s) being described.

Related terms

• people of color (POC)/BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color)
• “model minority” myth