Social stereotypes

Definitions of stereotypes vary widely and cannot be considered in detail here. Instead, we adopt a classic definition, which still seems to us to be both basically correct and to provide a focus for theory and re-search:

... a stereotype is an exaggerated belief associated with a category. Its function is to justify (rationalize) our conduct in relation to that category.

Social categorization is a core cognitive process by which is meant the segmentation and organization of the social world into social catego-ries or groups. It serves several important functions: reducing the com-plexity of incoming information; facilitating rapid identification of stimu-li; and predicting and guiding behaviour. Perhaps because of these func-tions.

Stereotypes can be seen as providing the content of social categories. Three essential aspects of stereotyping can be identified.

1. Other individuals are categorized, usually on the basis of easily identifiable characteristics such as sex, ethnicity, speech style.

2. A set of traits, roles, emotions, abilities, interests, etc., is attributed to all (or most) members of that category. Individuals belonging to the stereotyped group are assumed to be similar to each other, and different from other groups, on this set of attributes.

3. The set of attributes is attributed to any individual member of that category.

(from “Social Group and Social Stereotypes” by M. Hewstone and H. Giles)

Activity Discussion:

How do these proverbs characterize Britain and the British?

‘Nation of shopkeepers’ ‘Manners make the man’ ‘My home is my castle’ ‘A host in himself’

‘An Englishman’s home is his castle’ ‘Architect of one’s own fortune’ ‘Each bird loves to hear himself sing’ ‘Follow the crowd’

‘Don’t wash your dirty linen in public’ ‘Discretion is the better part of valour’ ‘Cheek brings success’

‘Caution is the parent of safety’ ‘Be as patient as Job’

‘Bear and forbear’ ‘Astonish the Browns’

‘Hedge between keeps friendship green’

‘Half the world knows not how the other half lives’ ‘Go home and say your prayers’

‘God save me from my friends’ ‘Dog eats dog’

‘Better be sure than sorry’ ‘Keep shady’

‘It is an equal failing to trust everybody and to trust nobody’ ‘It is as well to know which way the wind blows’

‘He that serves God for money will serve the devil for better wages’ ‘He that respects not is not respected’

‘Evil communications corrupt good manners’.

Can you explain the proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”?

What does it mean?

How do these proverbs characterize relationships between people?

‘As the people, so the proverb’ ‘Do as you would be done by’ ‘Fair play’

‘Friends may meet but mountains never’ ‘He that respects not is not respected’

‘It is love that makes the world go round’ ‘Many men, many minds’

‘None is so deaf as those who won’t hear’ ‘Nothing is impossible to a willing heart (mind)’ ‘Opinions differ’

‘Open the door with the golden key’ ‘Other countries, other manners’

‘So many countries, so many customs’ ‘So many men, so many minds’ ‘There are two sides to every question’ ‘There is no disputing about tastes’.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-13