Question 1
Because stereotypes are fixed and over generalized beliefs about a group, by design they cloud out the differences among individuals. On the other hand, they facilitate quick responses in situations previously experienced or similar ones (Hilton, 2013). Subsequently, a listing of some stereotypes is in order. Religious stereotypes are informed by the perceived values and customs of minority religious convictions. Presently, ceaseless media connection allows politicians various platforms to broadcast their thoughts. Consequently, people adopt the political thoughts of the politician or of their own political group, and therein lies political stereotyping (Schneider, 2005). Racial stereotypes are based on skin color or on membership of a certain culture. Gender stereotypes describe preconceived notions that arbitrarily assign both males and females limiting characteristics and roles. Arguably, this paragraph entails some of the most common stereotypes.
Economic power, is the basis of class stereotype and a primary cause of social prejudice. Somewhat like racial stereotype is country stereotypes, where citizens of countries with large immigrant influxes assign all their nations problems to the migrants (Hilton, 2013). Sexual stereotyping relates to minorities of certain orientation. Physical stereotype relates more to the weight of individuals. Specifically, physical problems fail to be valued at the weight with a perceived lack of care preferred.
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Question 2
As alluded to in the first paragraph, stereotypes have cognitive value, in that they reduce the amount of thinking people in new social situations experience. Because it involves inferring that an individual has all the assumed characteristics and abilities of a group, stereotyping is majorly inaccurate (Schneider, 2005). Furthermore, stereotypes highlight and exaggerate differences among groups while stereotypical thinking is an overreaction to information that creates or affirms a stereotype, or it is an underreaction to contradicting information (Hilton, 2013). Here, the exaggeration stems from the assumption that an individual possesses all the characteristics and abilities of the group, which is also another assumption.
Question 3
The cognitive aspect of stereotyping seems in order (Schneider, 2005). Here, they are deemed to be mental shortcuts people depend upon to process information quickly. The amount of information people process is relative to their cognitive ability. So, as a coping strategy, people use certain mental strategies that expedites decision making on information that is peripheral to direct attention to information that is central to important decisions (Hilton, 2013). To the extent that they allow people to make quick decisions about others based on their group membership, perceivers find stereotypes useful. Unavoidably, this also means that the inherent imprecisions can lead to inaccurate judgements and discrimination.
Question 4
Furthermore, stereotypes create social categorizations, which is a basis for prejudiced attitudes (Hilton, 2013). Fundamentally, stereotypes are incorrect derogatory generalizations of group traits, they also highlight the perceivers prejudicial attitudes. Based on observation, media reports and personal experiences, this motivational aspect of stereotypes is believable. Still, the cognitive element is credible as well because people normally access only about 20% of the brains processing power. This privileges attention needed to make important decisions and makes the claim of limited processing ability credible (Hilton, 2013).
Question 5
Reflecting on my own interaction with stereotypes, religious, political, gender and racial stereotypes feature prominently. Religious stereotypes relate to the prejudicial treatment of Muslims for their belief in Islam which has been associated with numerous terrorist acts globally. Politically, stereotyping relates to generalizations about the members of the republican party who are pigeon-holed as wealthy. Racial and ethnic minorities who have, historically, been mistreated continue to endure negative stereotyping (Hilton, 2013). For example, stereotypes against African Americans appeal to the history of slavery perpetuate discrimination. Generally, gender stereotypes are complimentary and perceive women as communal but not agentic while men are agentic but not communal.
Question 6
Not all stereotypes are negative in nature though they all have inherently prejudicial effects (Schneider, 2005). This is because they are based on assumptions that neglects peoples’ natural abilities and opportunities. The ability to foster negative stereotypes and base them on socially constructed norms imply power relations. Social categorization is the basis for prejudicial attitudes and negative stereotypes are their justifications. And because negative stereotypes limit people from attaining their full potential by limiting their choices and opportunities, they form the basis for discrimination. So, in this context, I perceive the perceivers of negative stereotypes as agents of discrimination because their actions adversely affect the equality of their targets. Such discrimination can be harnessed into laws and practices that further disadvantage the targets of negative stereotypes. Basically, it is my perception that those who exercise negative stereotypes exhibit behaviors that underlie their prejudicial attitudes also while underscoring power relations.
References
Hilton, R., P. (2013). Stereotypes, Cognition and Culture. Hove, United Kingdom: Psychology Press.
Schneider, D. J. (2005). The psychology of stereotyping . New York: Guilford Press.
