Smaller number or part (8)
I believe the answer is:
minority
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'smaller number' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'part' is the second definition.
(I have seen 'Smaller part' mean 'minority' so perhaps 'part' could also mean 'minority')
(Other definitions for minority that I've seen before include "Less than 50% or 18" , "Smaller number" , "Smaller of two groups" , "Relatively small group of people" , "State without legal responsibility" .)