The structural explanations of poverty attribute it to dominant social institutions such as the dual market for labor. Situational approach interprets the behavior of the poor as an adaptation to their environment. Racial minorities are groups of people who share certain inherited characteristics such as eye folds or brown skin. Ethnic minorities are made up of people who share cultural features such as language, religion, national origin, dietary practices, and a common history, and who regard themselves as a distinct group. Assimilation occurs when the mainstream culture adapts their own unique cultural pattern to those of the majority, as well as intermarrying.
Subordinate status is the principal characteristic of a minority group.
Discrimination is the differential treatment of individuals considered to belong to a particular social group. Prejudice is an emotional, rigid attitude against members of the subordinate group. Prejudgment is the tendency to decide in advance how to think about a situation or event. Projection is practiced against people who have personal traits that they consider undesirable. A social norm is a commonly accepted standard that specifies the kind of behavior that is appropriate in a given situation.