stereotyped

Stereotyped is an adjective describing something that is based on, or characteristic of, stereotypes. A stereotype is an oversimplified and fixed image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Stereotyped beliefs, representations, or behaviors rely on these generalizations rather than individual variation and can be applied to groups defined by gender, race, nationality, occupation, age, or other attributes.

Etymology: The term derives from the noun stereotype, which originated in the printing trade in the 18th century from French estereotype and ultimately Greek roots stereo- 'solid' and typos 'impression'. The verb to stereotype means to assign fixed attributes to a group, and stereotyped describes the resulting state or mode of thinking.

In media and everyday discourse, stereotyped depictions often reduce people to a single trait and ignore complexity. Common examples include gender stereotypes, racial or ethnic clichés, or role-based stereotypes such as "librarians are quiet" or "engineers are socially awkward."

Impact and critique: Stereotyping can perpetuate prejudice and discrimination by shaping expectations and decisions in education, employment, and law. It may also lead to misjudgment and hinder individual assessment. Critiques emphasize the variability of individuals within groups and advocate for counter-stereotypic information to broaden perception.

Related concepts include generalization, bias, prejudice, and essentialism. Efforts to reduce stereotyped thinking include media literacy, contact with diverse groups, and highlighting individual variation.