5 Differences between stereotype and prejudice

The concepts of stereotype and prejudice are often confused quite often. However, they are two different terms and each has its own characteristics. These are meanings that have an incredible importance in the social context and that can be very negative if they are not handled assertively, as they can lead to discrimination and mistreatment unjustified.

If you don't know what the difference between stereotype and prejudice, in this Psychology-online article, we bring you all the necessary information so that you learn to identify, through very simple examples, when it comes to a stereotype or a prejudice. The purpose is that you have your own criteria and move away from those unconscious and automated thought patterns that society imposes.

Index

1. what is a stereotype
2. What is a prejudice
3. Differences between stereotypes and prejudices

stereotype is a simplified and systematic perception of 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.

In addition, 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 produce serious consequences such as discrimination, limited opportunities and social exclusion.

prejudice is a negative opinion that is formed with respect to 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 basis, that is, it is only moved by emotions.

Generally, prejudices are unfavorable opinions that are not based on reason or experience. In this sense, it is about mowed individual conceptions and that lack all objectivity. In general, the prejudices lead to hostile treatment, mistrust or can lead to irrational hatred. In this article we reflect on How do prejudice affect society?.

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. In addition, there are clear differences between the two concepts. We see them below.

1. Source: 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 men are more athletic, but less intelligent.
2. App: the stereotype is collective and prejudice arises at the individual level. For example, it is believed that all elderly or disabled people cannot take care of themselves. In this case, it would be a social stereotype, not a prejudice.
3. Scope: prejudices are applied to certain people, but the stereotype groups different social groups, so its range of action is broader. In this case, an example of prejudice would be to think that a person who dresses in a humble way, without clothes luxury or without many accessories, has little purchasing power and is poor, since he has no proof of it.
4. 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 conceited personality, as well as proud and vain.
5. Nature: Prejudice involves 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 qualified as a 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 how to eliminate prejudices and stereotypes.

This article is merely informative, in 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Difference Between Stereotype and Prejudice, we recommend that you enter our category of Social psychology.

• Del Olmo, M. (2005). Prejudices and stereotypes: a rethinking of their use and usefulness I copy 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. Initiation to Research, (3). https://revistaselectronicas.ujaen.es/index.php/ininv/article/view/202