stereotype

A stereotype is a generalized belief about a group of people that allows for quick judgments about individuals based on group membership. Stereotypes are cognitive schemata that summarize perceived characteristics such as traits, abilities, or behaviors, and they are often simplified, overgeneralized, or resistant to new information.

The term originates from the Greek roots stereos (solid) and typos (impression), via the printing industry’s use of a solid mold for casting type. In social psychology, stereotypes refer to mental representations rather than to verified facts, and they can be held by people of any background toward any group.

Stereotypes apply to many group categories, including race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, occupation, and age. They can be benign or harmful, shaping expectations and influencing behavior toward others without regard to individual variation.

Stereotype formation arises from cognitive efficiency, social learning, media portrayals, and group norms. They can contribute to prejudice and discrimination when sufficient power and authority reinforce them, and can affect judgments, performances, and opportunities through stereotypes about competence or warmth.

Reduction involves exposing individuals to counter-stereotypical information, promoting intergroup contact, critical thinking, and media literacy. Critics note that simply presenting facts may not abolish stereotypes; long-term change often requires broader social and institutional shifts that challenge the base assumptions.