Stereotypes

Problems

In many instances stereotypes are used negatively by dominant groups to describe subordinate groups.

• Stereotypes are not always negative an example of this is that black people are quick runners.
• They can be held about one’s own group an example for me is that cricketers don’t like contact sports.
• They are not always false e.g. Cricket players will wear white.
• They are not always minority groups or the less powerful e.g. The Rich and powerful are disrespectful to them worse off than them.

A key term used with Stereotypes is mediation


The Theory of Cognitive Dissonance.


Argued that we resist adjusting our attitudes unless faced with overwhelming evidence against it. Believed that we seek out confirmation of our thoughts/beliefs. This links with Pluralism audience theory.