The concepts of stereotype and prejudice are often confused. However, they are two different terms and each has its own characteristics. These are meanings that have incredible importance in the social context and that can be very negative if they are not handled assertively, since they can lead to discrimination and unjustified mistreatment.
If you don’t know what the difference between stereotype and prejudiceIn this Psychology-online article, we bring you all the necessary information so that you can learn to identify, through very simple examples, when it is a stereotype or prejudice. The purpose is for you to have your own criteria and move away from those unconscious and automated thought patterns imposed by society.
What is a stereotype
The stereotype is a simplified and systematic perception that one has about people, generated from distortions of reality and based on false beliefs. For example, there is a stereotype that all Japanese people are extremely smart or that all blonde women are unintelligent. These false beliefs are accepted as established truths in Western society.
Stereotypes can be positive or negative and have a cognitive component that validates that belief. Specifically, they classify people into groups based on external characteristics such as race, religion, ethnicity, age, beliefs or ideas.
Furthermore, stereotypes not only explain what people are like according to social beliefs, but also determine what their behavior should be and even how they should act according to the codes imposed by society. This can lead to serious consequences such as discrimination, limited opportunities and .
What is a prejudice
Prejudice is a negative opinion that is formed regarding something or someone and that is born without having any evidence. Therefore, it is a reaction that is based on an affective component and that has a irrational and illogical basisthat is, it is only moved by emotions.
Generally, prejudices are unfavorable opinions that are not based on reason or experience. In this sense, these are individual conceptions that are isolated and lack any objectivity. Generally, prejudices lead to hostile treatment, distrust or can lead to irrational hatred. In this article we reflect on.
Differences between stereotypes and prejudices
The main difference between a stereotype and a prejudice is the attitude that arises in a given situation, since Stereotypes are what give way to different social prejudices. Furthermore, there are clear differences between both concepts. We see them below.
- Origin: Prejudices are generated through emotions, while stereotypes have a cognitive-social component. An example of a stereotype would be that black athletes are stronger and more competitive than white athletes. This not only represents a social stereotype, but also leads to the prejudice that black males are more athletic, but less intelligent.
- Application: the stereotype is collective and prejudice arises at the individual level. For example, it is believed that all elderly or disabled people cannot care for themselves. In this case, it would be a social stereotype, not a prejudice.
- Scope: Prejudices apply to certain people, but the stereotype brings together different social groups, so its range of action is broader. In this case, an example of prejudice would be thinking that a person who dresses in a humble manner, without luxury clothing or without many accessories, has little purchasing power and is poor, since there is no evidence of this.
- Functioning: Stereotypes are mental shortcuts that simplify the qualities of social groups and can be positive or negative. On the other hand, prejudices have no evidence to certify their validity and are created from unconscious and unjustified representations. In this sense, a clear example of a stereotype would be to think that highly educated people who have studied different careers are boring, with a cold and arrogant personality, as well as proud and vain.
- Nature: Prejudices involve hostile attitudes towards others, while stereotypes are sometimes positive. An example of prejudice would be that women are weak and that men have little ability to reason and manage their emotions. Being a generic perception, this behavior is also classified as social prejudice.
It is necessary to highlight that, despite the differences between stereotypes and prejudices, there is also a close relationship between these concepts, since stereotypes give way to prejudices. In this article you will find information about.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Del Olmo, M. (2005). Prejudices and stereotypes: a rethinking of their use and usefulness copied social mechanisms. Education Magazine XXI. 13-23. http://rabida.uhu.es/dspace/bitstream/handle/10272/1957/b15162084.pdf
- Montes Berges, B. (2010). Discrimination, prejudice, stereotypes: fundamental concepts, history of their study and sexism as a new form of prejudice. Introduction to Research, (3). https://revistaselectronicas.ujaen.es/index.php/ininv/article/view/202