Stereotypes are oversimplified perceptions of people based on their characteristics. They are believed to be harmful because they involve making premeditated judgments and biases about others.
Common types of stereotypes include gender, race, sexual, social class, (dis)ability, age, nationality, political, and religious stereotypes. Types Of Stereotypes
- Gender Stereotypes: A gender stereotype is an oversimplified perception of someone based on their gender or sex.
- Race and Ethnicity Stereotypes:
An ethnic or racial stereotype is a prejudgment about people based on their race (black, white, Asian, etc) or ethnicity (Hispanic, Native American, Pashtun, etc.).
- Sexuality Stereotypes: Many people continue to hold prejudices against people based on their sexual orientation.
- Social-Class Stereotypes: Stereotypes about working-class people have followed them through the centuries, which can prevent them from getting good jobs or access to welfare.
- (Dis)Ability Stereotypes: People with disabilities were long excluded from social participation. For example, someone with speaking difficulties or who is missing hands might be considered unable to do a job that, in reality, they’re perfectly capable of executing.
- Age Stereotypes: Ageism is a stereotype that assumes older people are incapable and losing intellect.
- Nationality Stereotypes: When you make a statement like “People from England are…”, you’re probably perpetuating a stereotype.
- Religious Stereotypes: A religious stereotype can create fear of religious groups that you don’t belong to. It can involve ‘othering’ people of a certain religion.
- Political Stereotypes: A political stereotype is created when we retreat into our political tribes and paint people with different political views in the worst possible light.