Stereotypes
How do you judge people or form an opinion about them? What about groups within society?
Often our opinions about groups of people are based on appearance, behaviour, speech, first impressions, the opinions of others and how the group is portrayed in the media (newspapers, film, television, the internet).
Judgements about groups in society are based on assumptions and often a simplified image or opinion is the result. An assumption is an idea that is taken to be true but is not necessarily a proven fact. This simplified representation is not an accurate reflection of the group or individuals within that group. Very often the result is a negative image of individuals or groups which feeds people's prejudices and fears.
These generalised, over-simplified judgements, which are based on assumptions, are called stereotypes. Stereotypes focus on just one or two characteristics which mean that people are reduced to just one dimension. People are made up of many features and traits, but stereotypes ignore this.
Find a definition for the word 'stereotype'. Add this to your vocabulary list. You could use the online Macquarie Dictionary (http://www.macquariedictionary.com.au).
Stereotypes can be based on oversimplified and inaccurate ideas about:
- ethnicity (for example, one stereotype is that African Americans are really good at basketball or that Australians all live in the bush)
- religion
- jobs, occupations or professions (for example, the idea that that politicians are dishonest)
- age groups (for example, the idea that old people are grumpy, intolerant and out of touch or that teenagers lack respect and are selfish)
- gender (for example, the idea that boys are more active than girls or that girls are preoccupied with their appearance)
- interests or hobbies (for example, the idea that people who are into computers are nerds or geeks)
- subcultural groups (such as bikies, surfers, skaters, gamers, goths).
Create a chart with two columns. Label one 'male' and the other 'female'. Under each heading write words or phrases which you feel best describe society's views regarding males and females. Try to think of characteristics which are commonly associated with each. These views are not necessarily your own, but a reflection of commonly held attitudes. For example, boys are boisterous, girls are kind and caring, women cook and care for the family, men go out to work to support the family financially. There are many other attitudes you can record.
Discuss these with the class and then mark the comments you consider to be wrong or
oversimplified.
What do these comments suggest about how society views males and females?
Stereotypes are created and maintained through the media and people in society by the way they present certain groups or individuals. They reinforce mythologies such as "Aussies will always stick up for their mates." (the mateship myth), or "Aussies love the bush." despite the fact that the majority of Australians live in cities. In this case, the stereotypes are positive and promote a favourable image, but they are still an inaccurate portrayal of most Australians. They are generalisations based on assumptions about the type of people Australians are.
Make a list of comments which stereotype different groups in society. You could consider stereotyping of professions or jobs such as doctors, scientists, teachers, brick layers or computer programmers. Consider:
- the words and phrases people use to stereotype
- stereotypical appearance
- stereotypical behaviour
- stereotypical speech.
Your teacher may ask you to discuss these ideas with others.
The worksheet at the link below asks you to work with a partner to think about how certain groups within society are stereotyped. Discuss your work with your teacher.
Stereotypes only focus on a simplistic, generalised view of people, or groups of people, so a great deal of information is excluded. Write a response to the questions below. Your teacher may ask you to share this with other class members.
1. Where and/or when are you likely to come across stereotyping?
2. Who or what is responsible for creating and/or maintaining stereotypes?
3. What purposes does stereotyping serve?
4. What are some possible consequences of stereotyping?
The following link has some suggestions about stereotyping.
