Gender Stereotypes

[Page 755]Gender stereotypes are overgeneralized beliefs about the characteristics of individuals based solely on their gender, regardless of the actual diversity among members of various gender groups. The beliefs reflect perceivers’ knowledge and expectations about women, men, transgender, and other gendered people. The content of stereotypes typically includes personality traits, behaviors, physical features, roles, preferences, attitudes, skills, and interests, among others. Stereotypes are relevant to the psychology of gender because they shape how people process information about gender and influence judgments made about members of various gender groups. Stereotypes serve as a schema, or lens, through which individuals view their social world. This entry provides a brief overview of gender stereotypes, including history, origins and purpose, types and forms, consequences, and methods to reduce gender ...