Defining and observing minorities: An objective assessment

Abstract

The term “minorities” carries with it a myriad of complex dimensions, each of which addresses a particular aspect of the majority-minority dichotomy and each of which is very dependent on the context in which the observations are made. This paper enumerates some of the key factors that have a direct bearing on the definition of minorities; provides some indication of the difficulties this presents when attempting to “measure minorities” in official statistics; and suggests some approaches to address the difficulties outlined in the previous point. Recent experiences in collecting data on visible minorities in Canada are used to illustrate some of the points raised in the paper. The discussion concludes with the following recommendations for agencies and researches concerned with observing and measuring minorities: (1) be sensitive to the tension that may exist between the collective definition of the minority under observation and the perception of the individuals belonging to this minority with respect to their classification; (2) restrict the definitions of minorities to features that are observable, hence measurable; (3) be conscious of the dynamic nature of the definitions and of the individuals' perception of the relevance of these definitions to their particular situation or context; (4) ensure that the respondents (subjects under observation) are informed of the need for the data and the benefits that they may accrue by providing this information; and (5) both the direct and indirect approaches to defining minorities in data collection vehicles should be considered.