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The document discusses the role of stereotypes in shaping social identity, emphasizing how they influence self-perception and social interactions. It outlines various stereotypes based on gender, region, economic class, profession, religion, and appearance, detailing their negative impacts on individuals and society in Pakistan. The conclusion calls for challenging these biases to foster a more inclusive society.

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9 views6 pages

Assignment

The document discusses the role of stereotypes in shaping social identity, emphasizing how they influence self-perception and social interactions. It outlines various stereotypes based on gender, region, economic class, profession, religion, and appearance, detailing their negative impacts on individuals and society in Pakistan. The conclusion calls for challenging these biases to foster a more inclusive society.

Uploaded by

Ali Nawaz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HIFA JEHAN

FA24-BAF-065
Instructor: Mam Fatima Nazakat

CIVICS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT


SPRING 2025
The Role of Stereotypes in Shaping Social
Identity

 Stereotype:
A stereotype is a widely held belief or image about a group
of people, often based on limited or inaccurate information.
 Social Identity:
Social identity is a person's self-concept derived from their
membership in social groups. According to Social Identity
Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), people categorize
themselves and others into groups, leading to in-group
favoritism and out-group discrimination. Stereotypes
contribute to this categorization by reinforcing rigid ideas
about different social groups.

For example:
if a person belongs to a minority ethnic group and is
constantly labeled as "less competent," they might
internalize this stereotype, which affects their self-esteem
and social confidence.
 Impacts of stereotypes:
1. Gender Stereotypes
Stereotype:
"Women should focus on household duties rather than
careers."
Impact:
Many women in Pakistan face resistance when pursuing
higher education or professional careers, as society often
expects them to prioritize marriage and family
responsibilities. This discourages female participation in
STEM fields, leadership roles, and politics.
2. Regional Stereotypes:
Stereotype:
"Punjabis are loud and dominant, Pathans are aggressive,
Sindhis are lazy, and Balochis are backward."
Impact:
These stereotypes create divisions among Pakistanis and
reinforce prejudices against different ethnic groups. They
can lead to discrimination in workplaces, politics, and even
everyday interactions.
Example:
A Baloch student may face unfair assumptions that they are
not as competent in academics simply due to regional bias,
limiting their opportunities.
3. Economic Class Stereotypes
Stereotype:
"Poor people are lazy and responsible for their own
condition."
Impact:
This stereotype prevents empathy and discourages efforts
to address social inequalities. People from underprivileged
backgrounds often struggle to get equal opportunities due to
societal bias.
Example:
A brilliant student from a low-income family may not receive
the same encouragement as a wealthy student, affecting
their confidence and opportunities.

4. Profession-Based Stereotypes:
Stereotype:
"Doctors and engineers are the only respectable careers."
Impact:
Many young Pakistanis feel pressured to pursue medicine or
engineering, even if they have talents in other fields like arts,
journalism, or entrepreneurship. This limits creativity and
innovation in non-traditional professions.
5. Relegious Stereotypes:
Stereotype:
"People from minority religions are less patriotic or not ‘true’
Pakistanis."
Impact:
Religious minorities in Pakistan often face discrimination
and exclusion in social and political settings. This affects
their sense of belonging and limits opportunities for equal
participation in society.
Example:
Dr. Abdus Salam, a Pakistani physicist and Nobel laureate,
did not receive the recognition he deserved in his homeland
due to his Ahmadi faith, despite his contributions to science.
6. Fashion and Appearance Stereotypes:
Stereotype:
"A woman wearing a hijab is oppressed, and a woman
wearing Western clothes is immoral."
Impact:
Women in Pakistan are often judged based on their clothing
choices rather than their character or abilities. This leads to
unnecessary restrictions on personal freedom and social
judgments.
 How Stereotypes Influence Self-Perception?
Stereotypes shape how individuals see themselves by
imposing external expectations on them. When people are
repeatedly subjected to certain labels, they may begin to
believe and act according to these expectations—a
phenomenon known as stereotype threat.
Example 1: Academic Performance
Studies have shown that when female students are
reminded of the stereotype that "women are not good at
math," they perform worse on math tests compared to those
who are not reminded of this stereotype. This demonstrates
how negative stereotypes can limit an individual's potential.

Example : Career Choices


Many young men avoid careers in nursing or teaching due to
the stereotype that these professions are "feminine."
Similarly, women may shy away from leadership roles
because of the belief that men are "natural leaders." These
stereotypes restrict personal choices and hinder diversity in
professional fields.
 Impact of Stereotypes on Social Interactions
Stereotypes affect how people interact with one another,
often leading to misunderstandings, prejudice, and
discrimination.
Example : Workplace Bias
Employees from marginalized communities may face
discrimination in hiring or promotions due to stereotypes
about their work ethic or competence. This not only limits
career opportunities but also fosters workplace inequalities.
Example 2: Racial and Cultural Assumptions
In multicultural societies, stereotypes about certain ethnic
groups can create barriers to social harmony.
 Conclusion
Stereotypes about Pakistanis impact individual self-
perception and social interactions. Whether based on
gender, region, class, profession, religion, or appearance,
these stereotypes create unnecessary divisions and limit
opportunities. To build a more inclusive society, it is
important to challenge these biases and promote
understanding among all communities.

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