Knowra Stereotype Stereotype A stereotype is a generalized belief that members of a social group share particular traits. It can be positive, negative, or mixed, and may be inaccurate or oversimplified.
Social categorization : The process of classifying people into social groups based on perceived shared characteristics. Grouping people can encourage assumptions that group members resemble one another.
Prejudice : A prejudicial attitude or evaluation directed toward people because of their social group membership. Stereotypes describe presumed traits; prejudice adds an evaluative response.
Archetype : A recurring model or symbolic pattern represented across stories, cultures, or psychological theories. Archetypes are broad symbolic patterns, unlike beliefs about real social groups.
Media representation : The portrayal of people, groups, and events in forms of mass and digital media. Recurring portrayals can reinforce or disrupt group stereotypes.
Walter Lippmann : An American journalist and political commentator who introduced the modern use of “stereotype” for simplified pictures in the mind. His 1922 book helped establish the term’s social and political meaning.
Illusory correlation : A perceived association between two events or traits that is absent or weaker in reality. It can make rare behaviors seem characteristic of a group.
Discrimination : Unequal treatment of people based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or age. Stereotyped beliefs can inform decisions that produce unequal treatment.
Prototype theory : A theory that people represent categories through typical examples or central tendencies. It explains category representation without necessarily attributing traits to social groups.
Gender stereotype : A generalized belief about the traits, roles, or abilities of people based on gender. Gender stereotypes shape expectations in work, education, and everyday life.
Social identity theory : A theory explaining how group membership shapes identity, comparison, and intergroup behavior. It connects group boundaries and comparisons with the development of group beliefs.
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