Stereotyping
Gross oversimplification and relatively rigid preconception about characteristics of a particular social category or group of people (not always – though frequently – derogatory), attributing group characteristics thought prevalent to each member.
For example,
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Teenagers are reckless drivers. |
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Fundamentalists are intolerant of other religions. |
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Woman are emotional, men are analytic. |
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The Irish drink too much [but are also thought of as having an engaging, self-deprecating sense of humour]. |
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Jews are shrewd, cunning, and cliquish [besides being seen as conspicuously familially loyal]. |
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The Poles like to brawl [and are reputed to be brave too]. |
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and so on. |
(see also: prejudice, propaganda, bias, schema, expectations)
