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Stereotype - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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A stereotype is a widely held belief or idea about a particular group of people, based on characteristics such as their ethnicity, gender, age, or other traits. These beliefs can be oversimplified and not always true, as they often ignore individual differences within the group. Stereotypes can lead to unfair judgments and treatment of people, influencing how they are perceived and how they behave. In sociology, understanding stereotypes helps us explore how society forms these ideas and the impact they have on people's lives, relationships, and opportunities.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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