Minority groups are typically characterized by which of the following traits?

Minority groups are typically characterized by involuntary membership, meaning that individuals are often born into these groups or are assigned to them based on certain characteristics such as race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. This characteristic highlights how individuals do not choose to be part of a minority group; rather, they are placed into these categories by societal structures and norms.

Involuntary membership also reflects the experiences of discrimination and marginalization that such groups frequently face, which differentiates them from majority groups. Understanding this concept is crucial in sociology, as it sheds light on the dynamics of power, privilege, and social inequality in various societies. This is why involuntary membership is a fundamental trait that helps define minority groups, as opposed to voluntary membership where individuals have the agency to choose their affiliations.