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Stereotyping: meaning, definitions and examples

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stereotyping

 

[ˈstɛr.i.oʊ.taɪ.pɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social context

Stereotyping refers to the act of oversimplifying and generalizing the characteristics, attributes, and behaviors of a particular group of people. This often leads to distorted perceptions and can contribute to prejudice and discrimination. Stereotypes can be based on various factors like race, gender, age, or occupation.

Synonyms

categorization, generalization, typecasting.

Examples of usage

  • Stereotyping can negatively affect workplace dynamics.
  • The media often perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
  • Challenging stereotypes is essential for social progress.
Context #2 | Verb

social behavior

To stereotype is to view or present a group of people in an oversimplified way. This action can lead to unfair judgments and can inhibit true understanding and appreciation of individual differences within that group.

Synonyms

carding, labeling, pigeonholing.

Examples of usage

  • We should avoid stereotyping individuals based on their background.
  • Stereotyping can create barriers to acceptance.
  • He's always stereotyping people without knowing their stories.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Stereotypes can form quickly in our brains as a way to simplify information about people, but they can lead to unfair beliefs.
  • Cognitive biases influence how we see others; they help us form quick judgements, but often aren't accurate.
  • Research indicates that when people are confronted with contradicting evidence, they may stick to their stereotypes rather than change their views.

History

  • During the 19th century, certain stereotypes emerged about different ethnic groups due to colonialism and media representation.
  • World War II saw a dramatic rise in stereotypes, with propaganda depicting enemy groups in negative lights to justify warfare.
  • After the civil rights movements in the 1960s, many societies began to challenge stereotypes, leading to more awareness about diversity.

Media Representation

  • Media often reinforces stereotypes through character portrayals that don't fully represent the complexity of individuals.
  • In films and TV shows, characters from specific backgrounds are frequently given clichéd roles, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
  • Social media has played a dual role; it can challenge stereotypes but also spread them through viral content that oversimplifies groups.

Sociology

  • Stereotyping can influence social dynamics, leading to systemic inequalities in areas like employment, education, and justice.
  • The concept of intersectionality highlights that individuals can face multiple stereotypes simultaneously based on various identities they hold.
  • Social identity theory explains that people often categorize themselves into groups, which can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group stereotyping.

Education

  • Education systems are increasingly focusing on teaching about diversity and inclusion to counteract stereotypes from a young age.
  • Programs that promote empathy and understanding across different cultures aim to reduce stereotyping in schools.
  • Research shows that students exposed to diverse perspectives are less likely to hold onto stereotypes.

Translations

Translations of the word "stereotyping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estereotipagem

🇮🇳 stereotypes

🇩🇪 Stereotypisierung

🇮🇩 stereotipisasi

🇺🇦 стереотипізація

🇵🇱 stereotypizacja

🇯🇵 ステレオタイプ化

🇫🇷 stéréotypage

🇪🇸 estereotipado

🇹🇷 stereotipleme

🇰🇷 고정관념화

🇸🇦 تعميم

🇨🇿 stereotypizace

🇸🇰 stereotypizácia

🇨🇳 刻板印象化

🇸🇮 stereotipizacija

🇮🇸 stereótípísering

🇰🇿 стереотиптеу

🇬🇪 სტერეოტიპიზაცია

🇦🇿 stereotipləşdirmə

🇲🇽 estereotipación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,432, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.