Stereotypes Case

STEREOTYPES

Prepared by: Jidosha Matai (1101064910)

Prepared for: Madonna Johanson

ABSTRACT

A stereotype is defined as a belief or expectation of a certain group (W. Kalat 2008, p.463, ¶2. A stereotype can be either negative or positive; however it tends to be a vicious cycle in today’s society. For example, women stereotype men, and men stereotype women. Stereotyping can be subconscious and can work both favourably or in favourably depending on personal experiences. Television, magazines, newspapers and even music add to the effects of stereotyping. However, how good can stereotyping be when it can possibly lead to discrimination, sexism, racism, scapegoating and even long-lasting psychological problems?

Stereotypes date back for decades and it can not only affect a group or individual positively, but it may also have several long-lasting negative effects. A stereotype is a personal fixed mental impression on a certain group or person based on their characteristics. The primary characteristics that are used to stereotype include age, gender, race and sexual preference (James Cook University 2010). In today’s day and age, how can these characteristics be an important factor when categorizing people? Stereotypical people form opinions on certain groups as to how they will act and their oppositions personal record is ignored (Neil Macrae 1999). Stereotypes should be researched to avoid unfair conclusions made on assumptions. Not every Mexican is cheap and not every tall black male is a basketball player. This research will explore the negative effects of stereotyping on learning, employment and behaviour. It will also examine the long lasting psychological effects that come from pure ignorance. However, the positive outcomes of stereotyping are also a factor and will be mentioned. Stereotyping has a negative effect and this statement will be verified throughout essay.

Subjecting people to negative stereotypes will weaken their ability to foster knowledge and learn. Researchers from the University of Indiana underwent a detailed study on the negative stereotypes regarding women and maths (Vieru 2010, ¶1). Several Indiana University researchers compiled a study on the negative stereotypes of women regarding their learning ability whilst being under the threat of a negative gender stereotype (Vieru 2010, ¶ 1, 5). This study was aimed to examine the attention and perceptual learning in women (Indiana University 2010, ¶5). This experiment allowed researches to distinguish the learning effects in