Which of the following best describes stereotyping?

Stereotyping is best described as a fixed opinion that categorizes unfairly. This definition captures the essence of stereotyping, which involves oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a particular group of people. These fixed opinions often ignore individual differences and can lead to unwarranted assumptions, prejudice, and discrimination.

In practice, stereotyping can affect interactions and behaviors toward individuals based on group characteristics, rather than on individual qualities or behaviors. It reduces the complexities and nuances of people to simplistic classifications, which can harm both individuals and societal relationships. Understanding stereotyping in this way is crucial for promoting more equitable and respectful interactions among diverse groups.