model minority: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Sociopolitical
Quick answer
What does “model minority” mean?
A demographic group (especially an ethnic or racial minority) perceived as achieving greater socioeconomic success than the population average.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A demographic group (especially an ethnic or racial minority) perceived as achieving greater socioeconomic success than the population average.
A stereotype applying to certain minority groups, suggesting they have achieved a high degree of success through hard work, conformity, and strong family values, often used to imply that other minorities could achieve similar success if they followed the same model, while ignoring systemic barriers and creating inter-group tensions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but it originated in and is most frequently discussed in the context of American society and race relations, particularly regarding Asian Americans. In British discourse, it may be applied to groups like British Indians or British Chinese, but the conceptual framework is American in origin.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is heavily loaded. It is rarely used as a simple compliment; its use almost always invokes a critical discussion of stereotyping, racial politics, and the 'myth' it represents.
Frequency
Substantially more frequent in American English due to its origins in U.S. sociology and racial discourse. Usage in British English is increasing but remains less common and is often directly referencing the American concept.
Grammar
How to Use “model minority” in a Sentence
The [ethnic group] is often held up as a model minority.The concept of the model minority is applied to...She wrote an essay debunking the model minority myth.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “model minority” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Sociologists argue that media narratives often model-minority certain communities, with damaging effects. (Note: This is a rare, non-standard verbification.)
American English
- The article explored how Asian Americans have been model-minoritized in public discourse. (Note: This is a rare, non-standard verbification.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used adverbially)
American English
- (Not used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- The debate focused on the model-minority narrative prevalent in some political discussions.
American English
- He faced immense model-minority pressure to excel academically and represent his community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training regarding harmful stereotypes in the workplace.
Academic
Common in sociology, critical race theory, ethnic studies, and media studies papers analyzing racial stereotypes and inter-minority relations.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used in informed discussions about race, politics, or social justice.
Technical
A technical term in sociology and critical social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “model minority”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “model minority”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “model minority”
- Using it as a straightforward compliment (e.g., 'They are a model minority, so hardworking!'). This misunderstands the term's critical nature.
- Applying it to any successful immigrant group without understanding its specific racialized history in the U.S. context.
- Spelling as 'model minority' without the hyphen is standard for this fixed compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally not used as a sincere compliment. It is a critical term describing a harmful stereotype that places pressure on the labelled group and is used to create divisions between minority communities.
In the United States, the term is most frequently applied to Asian Americans (particularly East and South Asians). In other contexts, it may be applied to groups like Jews or certain immigrant communities perceived as highly successful.
It is harmful because it homogenizes diverse groups, ignores systemic barriers and poverty within the community, creates immense psychological pressure to conform, and is used as a political tool to blame other minority groups for their socioeconomic status.
Yes, though less common than its noun form. It can be used attributively (e.g., 'model-minority pressures') or, very rarely, hyphenated as a compound adjective before a noun.
A demographic group (especially an ethnic or racial minority) perceived as achieving greater socioeconomic success than the population average.
Model minority is usually formal, academic, sociopolitical in register.
Model minority: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd.əl maɪˈnɒr.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dəl məˈnɔːr.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be held up as a model minority”
- “To fall victim to the model minority myth”
- “To buy into the model minority stereotype”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MODEL student (perfect grades, quiet) from a MINORITY group being held up as an example to other students, creating pressure and unfair comparisons.
Conceptual Metaphor
MINORITY AS MODEL / STEREOTYPE AS A MOLD (The group is metaphorically cast into a rigid, idealized 'model' or mold that defines expected behaviour).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for understanding the term 'model minority'?