Stereotypes

Generalized perceptions lead to predictions of behavior. Stereotypes, or mental short-cuts, are categories which generate in people's minds certain expectations about the characterisitics of individuals or groups. Stereotypes can also be regarded as selective perceptions - we see only what we want to see.

We need to avoid stereotype because:

stereotypes can be seen as a hypothesis in search of information to confirm it.
stereotypes can influence judgement.
a stereotypical label is a single label which is too broad and rigid.

**Four Major Stereotypical Categories**
RACE	A category composed of men and women who share biologically transmitted traits that member of society deem as socially significany.
ETHNICITY	Refers to a shared culture
GENDER	Like race is a social category. Gender is a maening that a society attaches to being feamle or male. Gender traits vary wifely from culture to culture. Gender socialization starts immediately after birth and continues throughjout one's life. Is also known as a social construction.
SEX	Is a genetic based category, universal and stable.

STEREOTYPES