Differences between Stereotypes and Empirical Generalization

Differences between Stereotypes and Empirical Generalizations

Generalization is a general proclamation about a trend between different scopes of our lives such as voting voice and race. Generalization is divided into empirical generalization and stereotypes. They differ significantly in various ways. Stereotype is an overgeneralization that is believed to apply to all members of a particular group. An example includes the thought that women earn less than men or African Americans are poor. Empirical generalization refers to description of a specific group of people based on scientific findings. For instance, findings can show that African Americans have a higher rate of poverty than the whites ( Barkan, 2011) . This means that empirical generalizations are influenced by scientific findings while stereotypes are shaped by our social environment that influences their attitudes, behavior, and life chances.

Additionally, empirical generalization can be referred to as a good generalization because it is not biased and is based on facts. Also, it aims to provide solution to the issue affecting a particular group of people. For instance, if a particular of people such as workers working in certain organization are experiencing high cancer rates, the empirical generalization would provide solutions based on collected data to address the issue such as by suggesting interventions that would reduce exposure to agents contributing to illness ( Weitz, 2017) . On the other hand, stereotypes can be considered as bad generalization because it is based on societal influences thus biased and baseless. They focus mainly on intimidating a particular group in society. For instance, if is thought that African Americans are less educated, there is a high chance of not getting employment in the job market. According to Barkan (2011) , most of our views towards a particular thing are limited by our society’s expectations. These expectations may be based on our religion, race, gender, or social class among others. The society and social backgrounds shapes our views, behaviors and attitudes leading to developments of stereotypes that has a negative impact on our lives. Therefore, these stereotypes impact negatively on important part of our lives such as the opportunity of being well educated, wealthy, healthy, and living happy lives.

References

Barkan, S. E. (2011). Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World, Brief Edition, v. 1.0.

Weitz, R. (2017).  The sociology of health, illness, and health care: A critical approach . Thomson Wadsworth.