An ethnic group relatively small in number compared with the majority is called what?

• A. Ethnicity
• B. Ethnic Minority
• C. Culture
• D. Minorities

Answer: (B)

In sociology, a group defined by shared ancestry, culture, and identity is called an ethnic group. When such a group is smaller in number than the majority population, it is described as an ethnic minority. The term captures both the idea of a distinct ethnic identity and its smaller size relative to the dominant population, which is why it’s the best label for this question.

Ethnicity itself refers to the cultural characteristics and identity of the group, not its size. Culture describes shared beliefs, values, and practices. The plural term minorities is a general label for non-dominant groups and doesn’t specify the ethnic basis or the particular group being discussed.