Vulnerable populations
Vulnerable populations (a.k.a. marginalized populations) are groups and communities that experience exclusion and discrimination as a result of being a member of that group. Examples of vulnerable populations include (but are not limited to) groups excluded due to ethnicity, race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or financial status. Which populations are considered vulnerable depends on the context – it can vary in different spaces and at different times.
A marginalized position in society often comes with vulnerability to certain kinds of harm, such as stigma, discrimination, or poorer health outcomes. At the same time, vulnerable populations shouldn’t be thought of simply as victims. They can actively resist discrimination, develop personal coping strategies, and build a sense of belonging that gives them resilience to these harms.