A stereotype is a fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people. By stereotyping we infer that a person has a whole range of characteristics and abilities that we assume all members of that group have. It is a cognitive process in that it involves associating a characteristic with a group, but it can also involve, lead to, or serve to justify an affective reaction toward people from other groups. Groups are often stereotyped on the basis of sex, gender identity, race and ethnicity, nationality and socioeconomic status, language and so on. Stereotypes are deeply embedded within social institutions and wider culture. One advantage of a stereotype is that it enables us to respond rapidly to situations because we may have had a similar experience before. One disadvantage is that it makes us ignore differences between individuals; therefore, we think things about people that might not be true. The use of stereotypes is a major way in which we simplify our social world; since they reduce the amount of thinking we have to do when we meet a new person.

Ashkeen Shajahan

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