Filed with Race · Related: Social Issues MOC · 60.23 History
Yes, white people are considered a global minority.
Global Demographics Overview
White individuals—typically defined as people of European descent—constitute a relatively small portion of the global population. Estimates vary, but most sources place the global white population between 7% and 16%, depending on how “white” is defined and which regions are included. This includes populations in Europe, North America, parts of Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand citeturn0search1.
In contrast, people of Asian descent make up the largest racial group globally, accounting for approximately 60% of the world’s population. Black or African populations represent around 14%, while Indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups comprise the remainder citeturn0search0.
The Term “Global Majority”
To highlight this demographic reality, some scholars and activists use the term “People of the Global Majority” (PoGM) to refer to non-white populations worldwide. This terminology aims to challenge Eurocentric perspectives and emphasize that people of color collectively represent about 85% of the global population citeturn0search3turn0search5.
Regional Variations
While white populations are minorities globally, they remain majorities in certain countries and regions, such as the United States, Canada, much of Europe, and Australia. However, demographic trends indicate that the white population share is declining in many of these areas due to factors like lower birth rates and increased diversity through immigration citeturn0search20.
Conclusion
In summary, white people are a global minority, comprising a small percentage of the world’s population. Recognizing this demographic context is essential for understanding global diversity and addressing issues related to representation, equity, and inclusion.