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  • Nicole Luk
    • Jun 13
    • 3 min read

The Cognitive Processes Behind Stereotypes and Prejudice

Common stereotypes based on gender


Stereotypes and prejudice are deeply rooted in our cognitive processes, shaping our perceptions and attitudes toward individuals or groups. They are often the roots of severe issues of discrimination around the world, such as racism and homophobia. Understanding the underlying mechanisms contributing to these biases is crucial for addressing and mitigating their negative impacts. In this article, we will delve into the cognitive processes that fuel stereotypes and prejudice, exploring the roles of categorization, heuristics, and social learning.


Categorization and In-Group Favouritism


A fundamental cognitive process that contributes to stereotypes and prejudice is categorization. Our brains have an innate tendency to categorize information and people into groups, simplifying the complex world around us. This categorization often leads to in-group favoritism, where individuals view their group more positively and attribute favorable characteristics. Conversely, out-groups are mostly perceived negatively, leading to the formation of prejudices when we meet people outside our groups. In-group favoritism could be as simple as liking people more just because they support the same sports team or music as you, or on a larger scale, favoring people more because they share your race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.



Heuristics and Cognitive Biases



Heuristics, or mental shortcuts, play a significant role in the development of stereotypes and prejudice. Our brains rely on heuristics to process information quickly and make decisions efficiently to conserve cognitive processing. However, these shortcuts can lead to cognitive biases (systematic patterns of deviation from rationality or objective judgment), such as the availability heuristic, where we rely on readily available information or examples to make judgments, even if they are not representative of the whole. We humans live in our own "subjective reality", where our preconceived opinions can alter how we perceive the world and our behavior or reactions to the people and things around us. This can reinforce existing stereotypes and prejudices, as we tend to only acknowledge, remember, and focus on information that confirms our preconceptions.


Social Learning and Exposure


Social learning and exposure also contribute to stereotype formation and prejudice. From a young age, we absorb and internalize the attitudes, beliefs, and biases of those around us, including our families, peers, and the media. Repeated exposure to negative portrayals or stereotypical representations of certain groups can reinforce and perpetuate these biases, even if they are not based on personal experiences. As you grow up, these internalized beliefs shape your understanding of the world and will be reflected in your everyday actions. 

For instance, a study conducted by Stanford University revealed that influential figures in children's lives, such as teachers and parents, often reinforce gender stereotypes. These adults serve as crucial role models, shaping the beliefs and expectations of children. Unfortunately, these stereotypes persist and contribute to significant disparities in fields like physics, computer science, and others. Moreover, the fact that these fields are often associated with the notion of raw talent further exacerbates the gender disparities, as it implies that boys are inherently more talented, thus further causing the under-representation of women and reducing inclusivity.


Addressing Stereotypes and Prejudice


Recognizing and understanding the cognitive processes behind stereotypes and prejudice is the first step toward addressing and mitigating their negative impacts. Strategies such as promoting intergroup contact, challenging biases through education and awareness, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity can help counteract the cognitive biases that contribute to stereotypes and prejudice. 


By acknowledging the role of our cognitive processes in shaping our perceptions and attitudes, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society in which individuals are judged based on their merits and not on preconceived notions or biases.


Interested? Learn more from THIS video!



Reference List


Cherry, K. (2014). How Cognitive Biases Influence How You Think and Act. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cognitive-bias-2794963 [Accessed 22 Apr. 2024].



Roberts, C. (2023). Social Bias & the Internalization of Discrimination: How Exposure Perpetuates Behavior Patterns - UNA-USA. [online] UNA-USA. Available at: https://unausa.org/social-bias-the-internalization-of-discrimination-how-exposure-perpetuates-behavior-patterns/ [Accessed 22 Apr. 2024].


‌Singh, N. (2018). Gender stereotypes are promoted by parents and teachers, says Stanford University study. [online] India Today. Available at: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/gender-stereotypes-are-promoted-by-parents-and-teachers-says-stanford-university-study-1282888-2018-07-11 [Accessed 22 Apr. 2024].


Smithsonian (2024). The Science of Bias | The Bias Inside Us. [online] The Bias Inside Us. Available at: https://biasinsideus.si.edu/online-exhibition/the-science-of-bias [Accessed 22 Apr. 2024].

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