Which term refers to groups that have less representation in society?

The term that accurately describes groups that have less representation in society is "minority groups." This term is commonly used in sociological and civil rights discussions to refer to populations that are smaller in number compared to the dominant group within a society. Minority groups often face systemic inequalities and social disadvantages as a result of their reduced representation and visibility.

While "underrepresented groups" can also be a suitable descriptor, it is broader and may not specifically capture the dynamic of social power and representation as effectively as "minority groups." Similarly, "marginalized populations" can refer to those who are pushed to the edges of society and often includes minority groups but doesn’t exclusively focus on numerical representation. "Majority groups" refers to those with greater representation and power, making it irrelevant to the context of the question.

The phrase "minority groups" thus encapsulates the idea of less representation accurately within social contexts.