Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Majorities is a term that refers to the dominant group in a society, and can be defined as members of a group who hold power in a society and have access to resources. They need not be the numerical majority. They differ from minorities in that minorities do not hold power, be it economic, political, or social. Additionally, majorities develop the laws which define the rights of majority and minority group members. South Africa during the apartheid era is an excellent example of majorities (the Dutch), who were much smaller in number, oppressing the numerical majority. Historically, men prevented women from voting or from being able to handle their legal affairs. Women still receive less pay than their male counterparts for the same job. Majorities can also refer to the group whose members share both physical and cultural similarities different from those of minority groups. Majorities may oppress their subordinates, minorities, by stereotyping them, holding prejudiced beliefs, or engaging in acts of discrimination. Majorities may hold privileged positions in society due in large part to their group membership. It should be noted, however, that with all groups, not all majorities may benefit equally from their dominant group membership. In the US, studies on race relations often refer to majorities by dominant group – white Anglo Saxons (WASPS) or Caucasians. Majorities is not as ... log in or subscribe to read full text