Audio available in app
Stereotypes can affect how individuals perceive others from "summary" of Social Psychology by John R. Eiser,J. Richard Eiser
Stereotypes are cognitive structures that represent oversimplified beliefs about groups of people. These beliefs can be based on characteristics such as race, gender, or occupation. When individuals encounter someone who belongs to a particular group, they may rely on stereotypes to form impressions of that person. This can lead to biased judgments and perceptions. For example, if a person holds a stereotype that all lawyers are greedy and dishonest, they may automatically assume that a lawyer they meet is untrustworthy, even without any evidence to support this belief. This can influence how the individual interacts with the lawyer, leading to a negative or hostile attitude. Stereotypes can also shape the way individuals interpret ambiguous behavior. If someone believes that individuals from a certain group are aggressive, they may perceive a harmless action as hostile. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in social interactions. Moreover, stereotypes can create self-fulfilling prophecies. When individuals are treated according to a stereotype, they may internalize these expectations and behave in ways that confirm the stereotype. For instance, if a student is constantly told that they are not good at math because of their gender, they may start to believe this belief and perform poorly in math class.- Stereotypes can have a powerful impact on how individuals perceive others. By influencing judgments, interpretations, and behaviors, stereotypes can shape social interactions and relationships. It is essential to be aware of the role that stereotypes play in our perceptions and strive to challenge and overcome these biases.
