MCS Discussion Post
Stereotype: A SET OF ASSUMPTIONS AND BELIEFS about the physical, behavioral, and psychological characteristics assigned to a particular group or class of people.
o Stereotypes assigned by gender and by race and ethnicity are the ones most deeply embedded in our culture.
o We generally apply stereotypes to those who are unknown to us or different from us.
o We tend to see others as we think they should be, based on our stereotypes about them.
o Stereotypes are based on inaccurate or incomplete information about a particular group.
o Stereotypes can lead to prejudice.
Prejudice: NEGATIVE OR HOSTILE ATTITUDES toward sexual, racial ethnic or economic out-groups.
o Stereotypes provide the basis for prejudice: a collective characterization of undesirable traits or behaviors, based on incomplete and/or inaccurate information.
o Without knowledge of specific individuals or examination of how they present themselves, we make adverse judgments about them.
Discrimination: BEHAVIOR (usually institutional) that disadvantages one group in relation to another group and maintains and perpetuates conditions of inequality. Racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism are all kinds of discrimination, a system that advantages one group and simultaneously disadvantages other groups.
o Discrimination is when those who have the power to act upon stereotypes and prejudices, use that power to affect negatively the life chances of others.
o Discrimination creates obstacles and barriers for its targets and provides unfair advantages for its beneficiaries. This implies having the institutional power to behave in this way.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.