Social Stereotyping

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that stereotypes have existed since the dawn of time; since man was first able to become a member of a group or society, man has had a tendency to conjure negative associations of people that were 'outsiders' or not members of their own society. The author points out that social psychologists have suggested that man's tendency to judge members of groups that are different from ones own is unconscious, which leads to the belief that stereotyping is behavior that is inevitable. The paper offers several steps to reduce the likelihood of stereotyping: (1) Acknowledge fears and tendencies to be prejudge towards others (2) remember that members of outside groups are unique individuals and (3) evaluate from where judgments and perceptions about a particular person or group of people come.

From the Paper:

"It is important to note that not all stereotypes are considered negative, but many are misleading,too general and inflexible to offer an accurate assessment of a group or members of a group. Even if a stereotype is considered positive, it allows misconceptions of a particular person or groups of people, and any assumptions or misperceptions of a particular group can be harmful or damaging over time. Most social psychologists agree that stereotyping is overall negative because it is harmful to human relational processes. It often leads to false beliefs and assumptions about other groups."

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