In the United States, minorities primarily refer to groups that constitute a smaller proportion of the overall population and often experience unique social, economic, or political considerations. Specifically, when discussing racial and ethnic minorities, distinct groups are identified based on their demographic representation and historical contexts.
Understanding Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups in the U.S.
Racial and ethnic minority groups are crucial categories for understanding the diverse composition of the United States. These classifications are utilized by various government agencies and organizations for data collection, policy development, and to address disparities in areas like healthcare, education, and economic opportunity.
The main racial and ethnic groups considered minorities in the U.S. include:
- American Indian and Alaska Native: This category encompasses individuals who are descendants of the indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America, and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.
- Asian: This group includes individuals originating from any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, such as China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
- Black or African American: This refers to individuals with origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
- Hispanic or Latino: This is an ethnicity, not a race, and includes individuals of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of their race.
- Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: This group includes individuals originating from any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
For a clearer overview of these classifications, refer to the table below:
| Racial/Ethnic Minority Group | General Description |
|---|---|
| American Indian and Alaska Native | Indigenous peoples of the Americas |
| Asian | Peoples from East Asia, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent |
| Black or African American | Peoples from the Black racial groups of Africa |
| Hispanic or Latino | People of Spanish culture or origin (an ethnicity) |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | Indigenous peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands |
These designations are fundamental to understanding population dynamics and are often used by federal agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau to track demographic changes and social indicators. While the term "minority" can sometimes extend to other groups based on characteristics like disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, the most widely recognized and tracked categories in a national demographic context are primarily racial and ethnic.
