Question

Stereotyping and prejudice are distinct concepts with different definitions. Prejudice refers to a preconceived judgment, how does that differ from stereotype?

	a.	Prejudice is perceived as an irrational attitude of hostility
	b.	Prejudice is more pervasive than stereotyping
	c.	Prejudice leads to greater oppression of the prejudged
	d.	Prejudicial beliefs are easily changed

Answer 1

Both prejudices and stereotypes are biases that developed to generate inequality among social beings. They are usually confused with each other. But there is a thin line difference between both. Also, one leads to the formtation of other.

- Prejudices or biases are preconceived ideas or notions about an individual - his attitude, feelings, or emotions. Prejudice starts usually in the form of a stereotype. Prejudice is prejudging someone without even knowing them and it happens because of a prior assumption in the mind.

- Stereotypes are assumptions that people share collectively and follow them. For eg - Gender stereotypes, racial profiling, culture based stereotypes,  sexual stereotypes in the form of bad remarks or commenting , etc.

- Example of prejudice - Fear against a particular community and so people avoid buidling relationships or friendly connection with them. This is all because of an assumption set in our minds by the society and we follow them without even thinking that it could be otherwise.

- Teasing / harassing/ making fun of someone on the basis of mindset created by the society are examples of prejudice. They are based on social status, sex, race, age , gender, etc.

- Huge amount of efforts are required to change beliefs and work is ongoing in respect to that.