Stereotyping

Stereotyping is the cognitive process by which people form generalized beliefs about the traits, abilities, or behaviors of members of a group. Stereotypes simplify social information by attributing shared characteristics to individuals based on group membership such as race, gender, nationality, or occupation. They function as cognitive schemas that help people interpret social situations, but they can be overgeneralized or inaccurate.

Stereotypes are related to, but distinct from, prejudice and discrimination. Prejudice refers to attitudes or feelings about a group, while discrimination involves unfair or harmful actions. Stereotypes may reflect real-world patterns but remain assumptions that can bias judgments and harm individuals when applied indiscriminately. They arise from cognitive processes like categorization, social learning, and cultural reinforcement through media and institutions.

Types and content: Stereotypes can be explicit or implicit, and they can be positive or negative. They often reflect dimensions such as warmth and competence in the Stereotype Content Model, but cultural variation is common. Stereotypes tend to operate automatically and can influence perception, memory, and judgment even when people consciously disavow them.

Consequences and measurement: Stereotypes shape expectations and can bias decisions in education, employment, and law enforcement. They contribute to stereotype threat, whereby individuals perform in line with negative group expectations. Researchers use tools like the Implicit Association Test to assess automatic associations, though results and interpretations remain debated.

Reduction and mitigation: Counter-stereotypic exposure, intergroup contact, perspective-taking, and education about bias can reduce reliance on stereotypes. Media literacy, inclusive policies, and organizational practices that promote equal opportunity also help mitigate harm from stereotyping.