Stereotyping

A stereotype is a conception or a belief that may be held by a person or people about specific types of people, groups, or certain acts. The word derives from the Greek words stereos (“firm,” “solid”) and typos (“impressions”). It is a term that refers to the act of perpetuating images ­without change; these thoughts or beliefs are not necessarily an adequate account of reality. In ­addition, stereotypes may or may not be rational and accurate, true or false, held by more than one person, the cause of prejudice or bias, positive or negative, or based on a certain rationale. ­Stereotypes are regarded as happening without conscious awareness, reflecting beliefs about the characteristics of members of certain groups. However, empirical social science research shows that ...