Ethnic Stereotypes

Ethnic Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs or assumptions about the characteristics, behaviors, or attributes of individuals based on their ethnic group. These stereotypes often stem from cultural biases, historical narratives, or media representations and are used to categorize people without acknowledging individual diversity. Ethnic stereotypes can be both positive (e.g., associating a group with intelligence) or negative (e.g., linking a group to criminality), but they invariably contribute to prejudice, discrimination, and social inequality. Sociologically, ethnic stereotypes are analyzed as tools of social stratification, perpetuating systemic racism and reinforcing power dynamics between dominant and minority groups. Understanding ethnic stereotypes is essential for addressing their role in shaping social interactions, perpetuating inequality, and influencing institutional practices.