Stereotypic thinking is a personal tendency to build one’s reasoning in a closed space of frameworks, rather rigid and limited concepts. People with stereotypical thinking in their judgments about the world and its structure are guided by externally given concepts and categories; they do not test them with their own empirical experience. This is not a separate category, because... Stereotyped thinking is characteristic of everyone to varying degrees; even in the first years of life, we receive a huge amount of knowledge about the environment and are guided by it (you need to swim in water, but hot things can burn). The more a person acts stereotypically, the more his psyche is freed from minute-to-minute analysis; everything happens according to a simplified scheme. That is why this category has both negative aspects (lack of one’s own opinion) and positive ones (analysis of simple tasks occurs in a collapsed field of the subconscious, saving mental resources).
Any stereotype is represented by an established system that forms a worldview, and the destruction of one of them often entails the destruction of the stability of the entire picture of the world. When a person lives on well-trodden rails and has an inflexible idea of the world around him, it is much easier for him than for someone who is not so susceptible to stereotyping, but at the moment of a drop in even one understanding of the internal concept, it leads to a huge personal crisis. In general, the stereotypical picture is far from objective, since generalization in it does not allow details to appear, but it is still convenient for the psyche. Such comfortable ignorance explains the zeal with which people defend their limited judgments - this is often not even the stupidity associated with intellectual decline, but the possibility of a threat to personal existence, when all value-semantic foundations and even self-perception collapse.
Psychology of stereotypical thinking
Stereotypical thinking is a preprogrammed part of human life, not only with cognitive attitudes, but also with emotional reactions. It makes it possible to predict not only your behavior, but also the reactions of others, and to the slightest accuracy. This part makes all the chaos of the surrounding world at least a little controllable and predictable, albeit not objectively.
What stereotypical thinking is becomes clear if you study where it comes from and what contributes to its development and strengthening. The more information the psyche receives, the more time and energy is spent on processing, so many times repeated actions are automated, the same thing happens with beliefs - when a person comes across a screaming long-haired guy several times, it will be remembered in his head that what happens to men with long hair It’s unpleasant to communicate, because they scream. All subsequent encounters may not correspond to this construct, but it is easier for the psyche to simplify reality to such a dichotomy than to actually analyze what is happening each time. The resources released by stereotypes can ultimately be directed to the implementation of more important points.
The stereotyping of psychology is also reinforced by the fact that any deviating, i.e. non-stereotypical thinking in distant contact can fascinate, attract attention and evoke a desire for interaction, but when brought closer, what is encountered in everyday life causes anxiety. Everything that requires additional effort to understand, everything that goes beyond the framework carries a potential threat, which means that a feeling of fear and the need to somehow define the situation settles inside. The tendency to stereotype is so high that a person, even when faced with an extraordinary situation, will spend time explaining it with stereotypes, rather than accepting and expanding his inner picture.
The negative manifestations of stereotypical thinking are more significant than all the energy it saves, since the pressure of internal limitations interferes with personal growth, the discovery of new opportunities and realization. Instead of concentrating on one’s own unique talents and capabilities and their development, a person constantly spends a lot of energy trying to fit into the framework of society, fitting himself into the same stereotypical requirements. Most of these attitudes are not even conscious, but are introduced into the psyche in early childhood or by general culture. As a result, we get a person who does not want to work in a high position, but pulls this burden because it is prestigious, or a young man dating a blonde, because... they are considered lighter in character and at the same time he ignores his own physiology.
In psychopathology, the extreme degree of development of stereotypical thinking is one of the signs of flattening and disintegration of personality, indicating the presence of serious mental disorders (schizophrenia spectrum, autism, etc.), but at the same time, a personality that stands out critically from the rest does not adapt to society. This type of thinking cannot be attributed to a single pole; rather, we will talk about the ability to switch between creativity and stereotyping, the ability to turn on critical thinking, and act according to the program.
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Viktor Vladimirovich Kuznetsov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Vice-Rector for Social and Educational Work of the Transbaikal State Pedagogical University named after. N.G. Chernyshevsky.
The most common thinking patterns are polarized thinking, overgeneralization, selective perception, unfounded conclusions, categorization, and unreasonable expectations.
Stereotypes of thinking lead us to making ineffective or even erroneous decisions precisely because they distort the true information on the basis of which decisions should be made. The most common thinking stereotypes are: polar thinking; overgeneralization; selective perception; unfounded conclusions; categorization; unreasonable expectations.
1. With polar thinking, people tend to exaggerate or downplay the significance of current events in their lives. They see the whole world in white or black. Neither one nor the other takes place in life. As Shakespeare's Hamlet said, “Nothing is either good or bad: it is reflection that makes everything so.” Seeing everything in black colors is for a pessimist, while seeing everything in rainbow colors is for an optimist. A pessimist sees danger in everything and always expects the worst, painting a picture of a possible event in black tones, exaggerating the possibility of negative consequences.
The pessimist's thoughts are transferred to his feelings. We can say that a pessimist is a person who feels bad when things are going well, out of fear that they will get worse. And everything becomes so as much as it seems so. Pessimists do not accept any rational arguments about their erroneous assessments, but accept only those that confirm their conclusions about the past or forecasts for the future without any analysis.
One phrase expressing doubt and beginning with “yes, but” can put an end to all reasoning and makes the pessimist see the whole world in all the depth of its hopelessness. The comparison method will help reduce the degree of pessimistic assessment of events. This method, carried out both unconsciously and with the participation of consciousness, consists of comparing the unfavorable situation in which the person finds himself with another, more unfavorable one in which he could find himself. “It could have been worse,” they say in such cases. And consciousness throws up a situation that could be more traumatic than the existing one. Although the problem does not go away, its assessment against the background of such comparisons becomes less acute.
The expression “everything is known by comparison” is filled with great everyday meaning. Polar thinking is very harmful. After all, extremes are bias, which leads to erroneous decisions, inappropriate behavior and negative emotions. Polar thinking can also manifest itself in assessments of one's capabilities. A maximalist places excessively high demands on himself and severely criticizes himself if they are not met. These requirements can be formed both on the basis of the standards and ideals of society, and on the assessments or demands of persons whose name the maximalist values.
Failure to implement plans based on such excessive demands leads to disappointment and depression. The assessment of one's capabilities must be adequate to the real capabilities of the individual. If it is higher, it will lead to excessive self-confidence, if lower, it will lead to lack of self-confidence and doubts. The most realistic and optimal way to test your capabilities is to try to implement your plans: if you don’t try, you won’t know what you are capable of.
2. Excessive generalization is also manifested in conclusions based on a single fact, which is subsequently extended to all similar situations indiscriminately. Didn’t pass the college exam or didn’t cope with the job - “I’m a failure.” This attitude distorts reality and paralyzes activity. One form of overgeneralization is labeling. It is expressed in the creation of an unchangeable idea about oneself or others, which inevitably leads to mistakes. A real person is not a frozen dogma, but a constantly changing object, and not taking this into account means denying the law of life. If a person labels himself a loser based on one, or perhaps several, failed transactions, then this leads to the belief that all further attempts in this area will be the same.
3. Selective (one-sided) perception is expressed in focusing attention on certain aspects of the situation, facts that seem significant, and neglect of others that seem unimportant. This is explained by a person’s tendency to reject any statements that contradict his beliefs. “He who has a different opinion is wrong,” they think in such cases. The result of this style of thinking is dogmatism, which is expressed in a person by extraordinary persistence in his views and opinions, elevating them to an absolute beyond doubt. This way of thinking of a dogmatist is explained by the difficulties of perceiving and assimilating new information, assessing oneself and others without taking into account the specific conditions in which a person finds himself.
Psychologically, dogmatism rests on a blind, uncritical adherence to once developed and mastered methods and methods of cognition and activity, based on one’s own rightness. The characteristic features of a dogmatist are: a firm conviction, without critical analysis, of the correctness of only his views and beliefs, their constancy and immutability; lack of interest in what does not correspond to his views, beliefs and opinions; assessment of information not by its objectivity, reliability and logic, but by the authority of the source; manifestation of stubbornness in defending one’s views and aspirations. Dogmatism of thinking is especially manifested in fanaticism, in unshakable devotion to a certain idea or activity, rejecting all criticism and compromises, even to the point of sacrifice for them.
This absolute concentration of a person on one idea or goal makes the person’s consciousness inaccessible to any other goals, which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of achieving them, and they simply do not arise in such a state of consciousness.
4. Unfounded conclusions are drawn on the basis of an insufficient amount of objective information and one’s own conjectures, erroneous stereotypes of thinking and attitudes, although based on personal everyday experience, but still not realistic enough due to its limitations. The missing information is replaced by one’s own conjectures and assumptions, not supported by any arguments, and the conclusions are explained only by the fact that “I think so” or “it seems to me so,” and nothing more. Thus, we draw conclusions about the actions of others based on our own views, assuming that they have the same values, the same beliefs, the same views on the world, the same needs as we do.
5. Categorization can also lead to self-deception - assigning a cognizable object to a certain social group - industrial, educational, military, religious, etc. without taking into account its individual qualities.
The reason for such errors is the following property of the brain: when a thought arises about any object, it includes the general knowledge that a person has regarding the category of people to which the object of our attention belongs. The relationship of a single object, even to a class of similar objects, is always individual. For example, you met a State Duma deputy. Using the developed concept that “all deputies are dishonest people,” you will initially characterize your friend as dishonest.
Individual qualities may differ significantly from those included in your “MP” category. And only further acquaintance in the process of communication will allow us to understand how individual traits can differ from the general ones contained in the category prototypes. Another reason for self-deception can be a person's expectations, since they influence how he perceives reality and how he reacts to it.
6. Expectations are not only what a person expects to see visually, but also what he anticipates, expects, expects to see in the future, that some expected result will be achieved, that some event will take place. A person is ready to perceive what awaits. Expectations lead to two types of emotions: if a person expects events that he evaluates positively, then hope arises; if negative, then disappointment, indignation, hopelessness, despair.
Expectation deception occurs when we unreasonably increase the likelihood that a particular person will do what we expect from him: I expected my friend to visit me in the hospital, but he did not come; I expected that I would be invited to another job, but this did not happen; I expected that all my friends would congratulate me on my birthday, but this did not happen. Was it realistic to expect all this from others? Were there any obstacles for them to fulfill my expectations? Did they know what I expected from them? Were these expectations based on real circumstances on my part or only on the desire for such an attitude towards myself?
If only on desires and emotions, then it is quite natural that these desires did not come true. But the person is nevertheless disappointed, morally indignant, and outraged that the expected decency of people has deceived him. Failure to achieve what is expected, even when it is built of sand, is always perceived as deception. Often, self-deception by expectation occurs when another person promises to do certain work for a subject, give a loan, provide assistance, etc. And if these people want to help you, they want to do something good for you, but they don’t do it for the simple reason that If they can’t, then this is not deception on their part, but self-deception on yours.
You did not have enough time or desire to get to know the person who promises you and who, perhaps, treats you well. The person may have a weak will and does not have the courage to refuse you. Or perhaps he wants to get rid of you as an annoying supplicant. Expectation is always built on certain knowledge. If there is no such knowledge, then they speak of groundless expectations.
Extreme cases of such expectations are hope for “maybe”. “Maybe” means “perhaps”, “perhaps”, hope for a very small chance, an expression interpreting an unpredictable future, as a result of which there is no point in making any plans and implementing them. “Maybe” requires you to completely rely not on yourself, but on luck. For a random person, life is unpredictable and uncontrollable. If something good happened, favorable for a person, it was only because he was lucky, and not due to his own efforts.
To prepare this work, materials were used from the site https://www.elitarium.ru/
https://5ballov.qip.ru/referats/preview/109500/6/?stereotipyi-myishl…
Examples
Broad conclusions about a person based on minimal information do not stand up to criticism. Examples of stereotypical thinking can be conclusions about intellectual level - this often applies to blondes (even a huge number of jokes) and athletes (often explained by inability to do something). Such conclusions are enshrined in the popular worldview and, as a result, even after numerous scientific refutations, continue to guide people.
Tourists acquire stereotypical knowledge of countries by seeing them only from a bus window, visiting famous places and listening to historical reports. The real country remains unexplored, because there are practically no locals in tourist places, the cuisine is adapted for Europeans, and everyday life is hidden by historical facades - this is what creates the feeling of the picture. This applies not only to countries, but also to entire nations - the Japanese are considered smart, Russians are careless, and gypsies are considered thieves. These are all examples of stereotypical thinking that relate to the nation, but have nothing to do with a specific person.
A woman freely dismantling a car on the highway causes either surprise or indignation; some may joke that she will break it, and all only because the stereotype of girls’ inability to drive is firmly established. Those who cannot earn enough money on their own consider the rich to be thieves and only because several bribe takers or criminals have been declassified. It is easier for a person to explain someone else’s success by unseemly behavior, and to somehow whitewash himself, than to accept responsibility and take a broader look at what the other did that he himself could not. This also includes the belief that a beautiful girl cannot be smart, and even if she has a PhD, then this is a purchased job, and her position is under the patronage of her lover. This is a vivid example of how the rational mind begins to serve the stereotypical mind, continuing to look for justifications and support for its concept, because otherwise something inside will collapse (excuses, self-image, habitual doing nothing) and a new one will fall in (responsibility, the task of thinking, admitting the impossible, learning other's).
Features of stereotypical perception
Thinking through stereotypes has the following features:
- The effect of projection, the essence of which is that when communicating, we endow people who are unpleasant to us with our shortcomings, and our advantages - with people who are pleasant.
- The average error effect involves averaging the salient features of another person.
- An order effect, in which when communicating with an unfamiliar person we give more trust to primary information, and when communicating with an old acquaintance - to fresh data.
- The halo effect, or judging a person based on one of his actions (good or bad).
- The effect of stereotyping, or endowing a person with characteristic (stereotypical) traits for a certain group, for example, focusing on the person’s profession.
Story 3 – Muscovites don’t know how to wait
Returning from India to Moscow, I perceived my hometown and its inhabitants in a completely new way. What I previously took for granted has now become for me an absolute advantage of my city. For example, this is impeccable cleanliness on the streets, the absence of crowds of people (if you do not agree with this, then you have not seen crowds), good organization of transport and roads, the availability of quality entertainment, good service and fast, cheap Internet. But I also saw the downsides. And they were in Muscovites. I noticed that Muscovites do not know how to endure and wait at all.
Recently I went to a government hospital where I had to wait in line. The people around me had patience for no more than 10-15 minutes. And after this time they began to lament: “Why did it take so long? Where is this doctor? What country is it?"
In our hospitals, I’ll tell you, they work quickly. In India (where terrible bureaucracy reigns), even in paid hospitals, visitors sit in line for 2–3 hours. Moreover, they sit completely calm. They don’t even read books, they just stare patiently at the wall. Of course, Indians will always take the chance to jump the line. But if such a chance does not arise, they behave completely patiently and look with great surprise at the Europeans, who are always nervous, in a hurry and eager to download their rights. What's the hurry? And most importantly, why? Nervous swarming will not make the line go by any faster. Every Indian knows this. But not for a Muscovite.
We are accustomed to the fact that a queue is a time of languid, nervous waiting. (This stereotype is similar to the attitude towards the road.)
But if you look from the other side, the queue is a great opportunity to take a forced rest. Why forced? Because busy, business people don’t allow themselves much rest. Even in their free time they solve some business. And in line there is a chance to be a little alone with yourself. Think about your life, make an important decision.
Learn to look at life situations in a new way, in relation to which you have already developed persistent patterns of perception. You will look differently at the time when you need to wait, get bored and do something monotonous. Don’t rush to “kill” this time so that it passes as quickly as possible. After all, these minutes or hours represent priceless moments of your life that you can’t get back later!
Stop nervously turning in circles, fidgeting in your chair, running out to smoke while you are waiting for something.
Use this chance to reflect, dream, solve some internal problem...
If you learn this, then perhaps the next time you are waiting for your order at a restaurant, you will come across a decision that will change your life forever!
What is a stereotype?
A stereotype is an established pattern of behavior or opinion in society that is adhered to by the majority.
Stereotypes are created by people and society as a whole based on many years of experience. This is a long process and therefore it is impossible to destroy the stereotype in one day.
It cannot be said that stereotypes only have a negative impact on a person. This is the experience of generations that protects and guards against mistakes. But, at the same time, stereotypes instill fear in a person, which prevents him from developing and moving forward.
How to get rid of stereotypes
We cannot control the process of stereotyping, but we can consciously reduce their influence on our behavior and perceptions of people. It is impossible to completely get rid of stereotypes.
Based on the fact that a stereotype is a stable and categorical, simplified idea, a judgment about something, widespread in the environment of the person who adheres to it, it can be argued that the influence of stereotypes will be corrected by:
- change of environment;
- expanding knowledge about the object of the stereotype.
With the first, everything is clear: leave the country, make new friends, and so on. What about the second point?
Stereotypes are cliches, labels. How to get rid of them? Be critical and selective of incoming information. At a minimum, do not accept any fact until you personally encounter it. It is important not to succumb to the manipulations and provocations of the media, pressure from society (even from parents and older comrades). Learn to double-check information. It's a matter of practice. We heard some fact, doubted it, found several sources, if the information does not disagree, then we can believe it.
Find source
Who creates stereotypes? Leaders of society, idols of society, cultural heritage (historical experience). Accordingly, in order to weaken the influence of a stereotype, you need to become more familiar with its sources. Where do your stereotypes come from?
Our whole life is saturated with stereotypes, because these are the norms of etiquette, the rules of leisure, the norms of behavior in society, and the requirements for work. Decide which stereotypes you want to weaken in yourself.
What do they say about you?
Find a list of stereotypes about Russians. The most banal thing is drinking strong drinks in a hat with earflaps, with a bear next to you and a balalaika in your hands. Do you do this every day? Have you ever done this? I doubt. So, do you now have doubts about the adequacy of the stereotypes stored in your brain?
By the way, in order to doubt some stereotypes, it is enough to apply them to people you know and are close to or to yourself. This is especially true for gender stereotypes.
Cooperation
Knowledge about the object of a stereotype can be expanded through joint activities, achieving a common goal, receiving emotions, openness and sociability. Isolation and uncertainty, poorly developed self-knowledge and an unstable inner world have a negative impact on the weakening of stereotypes. On the contrary, they reinforce them. To give yourself a chance to break the stereotype, you need to allow yourself to be immersed in what it is saying.
Creative thinking
In fact, everywhere, from kindergarten onwards, we are taught to assimilate patterns. We are terribly lazy in matters of analyzing and searching for information, we are used to believing everything unquestioningly, taking data that has already been processed by someone, working according to schemes, living according to instructions.
Fortunately, the value of creative thinking is now recognized, and training programs are being restructured towards problem-based learning, the purpose of which is to reveal the creative potential and individuality of the individual. It’s more difficult for people of the “old school”: they will have to develop their creative abilities themselves, learn to think outside the box.
Stereotypes and superstitions
Stereotypes are very similar to prejudices and superstitions. Accordingly, you can get rid of stereotypes in the same ways. It is important to understand that if you do not control them, they will begin to control you.
When you feel the influence of a stereotype, especially if it drives you into self-digging, sadness, a feeling of failure, fear, anxiety, ask yourself “Why do I think this? What else can you do in this situation? What do I have? Make it a rule to always understand the reasons.
It is not necessary to live by stereotypes (especially those of others) if they create unsatisfactory living conditions for you. Interestingly, it is the stereotypes about oneself (“I should”) that cause greater damage to the individual. Think about yourself, love yourself, live your life, learn to be happy.
