The document discusses stereotypes, defining them as overgeneralized beliefs about groups. It notes that stereotypes can be positive or negative, but that negative stereotypes seem more common. The document then provides examples of stereotypes held about various ethnic groups. It goes on to discuss UK laws prohibiting racial discrimination and requiring educational institutions to promote racial equality. Specifically, it mentions stereotypes about the IQ of minorities that still persist in schools.

3.  Definition: A stereotype is “a fixed, over
generalised belief about a particular group or class
of people.” (Cardwell, 1996).
 By stereotyping we infer that a person has a
whole range of characteristics and abilities that
we assume all members of that group have.
Stereotypes lead to social categorisation, which
is one of the reasons for prejudice attitudes .

4.  Most stereotypes convey a negative
impression. Positive examples would include
judges (the phrase “sober as a judge” would
suggest this is a stereotype with a very
respectable set of characteristics).
 Negative stereotypes seem far more common,
however.
 Class Task> Stereotyping Activity

5. Irish Americans
 Percent  Percent
Trait endorsed Trait endorsed
Pugnacious 45% Industrious 49%
Quick tempered 39% Intelligent 48%
Witty 38% Materialistic 33%
Honest 32% Ambitious 33%
Very religious 29% Progressive 27%
African Americans Jews
 Percent  Percent
Trait endorsed Trait endorsed
Superstitious 84% Shrewd 79%
Lazy 75% Mercenary 49%
Happy-go-lucky38% Industrious 48%
Ignorant 38% Grasping 34%
Musical 26% Intelligent 29%

7.  The Race Relations Act protects individuals
from racial discrimination and harassment and
creates a right to challenge discrimination in
the courts or at an employment tribunal. It is
unlawful for a person to discriminate against
another person on racial grounds - this means
race, colour, nationality, or ethnic or national
origins.

8.  As a result of the McPherson report educational
establishments are required by the Race Relations
Act (2000) to promote racial equality and must:
• Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination
• Promote equality of opportunity, and
• Promote good relations between persons of
different racial groups”

9.  Racial Stereotypes about IQ still persist in schools.
 Perception that minorities have low IQ than their white
peers.
 Misplacement - involving teacher assessment of ethnic
minorities placing them in lower streams than would be
the case if performance tests alone were used
 Channelling of minorities in stereotypical areas of the
curriculum i.e. Asians into Cricket

10.  The Macpherson report into the death of Stephen
Lawrence found institutional racism to be prevalent in
some public institutions. Institutional racism was
defined as:
 “the collective failure of an organisation to provide an
appropriate and professional service to people because of their
colour, culture or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in
processes, attitudes or behaviour which amounts to
discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance,
thoughtlessness, and racist stereotyping which disadvantage
minority ethnic people.”