1. Stereotypes & Prejudices
Cultural Diversity
In & Through Sport
Lesson Two:
Stereotypes & Prejudices
and Sport

2. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

3. Learning Outcomes By the end of the session you should be able to:
Describe a range of stereotypes
Outline positive and negative factors in relation to the stereotypes identified

4. Task: Warm Up
Review: Can you recall the definitions of the following terms? Give definitions and at least two examples:
Prejudice
Discrimination
Stereotypes

5. Task: General Stereotypes
Working in groups, identify the stereotypes associated with the following countries:
Mexico
Germany
China
The USA
Where did these ideas come from? Are there any positive or negative effects of these stereotypes?

6. Stereotypes and Prejudices
There is a close link between prejudice and stereotypes
Someone who is prejudiced will more then likely hold stereotyped views about the group and/or individual they have pre-judged
Can you guess which country these stereotypes represent?

7. Definition of Stereotypes
Stereotypes are:
The over-generalised way of labelling people before we know them; often based on a person’s cultural background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age or nationality
An image or idea of a particular type of person that has become fixed due to being widely held
An assumption based on inaccurate, preconceived ideas and misinformation

8. What’s the Message?
Watch and then discuss the following advert from the United Nations:
Click here.

9. Types of Stereotypes Stereotypes can be both positive…:
“Thai people are friendly and welcoming.”
…and negative:
“Irish people love getting drunk.”

10. Types of Stereotypes
As noted, stereotypes can be positive or negative.
For example, we could stereotype all older people as “cranky” or we could stereotype them as “wise”
The point is that when we stereotype someone we make assumptions. We assume that they will talk, look, and act like all the other members of the category into which we put that person

11. Origin of Stereotypes Stereotypes can come from such things as:
national dresses or costumes
how people get around
the food people eat

12. Stereotypes at War
During times of war, propaganda relies heavily of national stereotypes, which are usual to extremes:
Pro USA & UK Poster: Just after
World War I
Anti-Japanese Poster: World War II

13. Task: Stereotypes Group activity:
Identify as many stereotypes as you can
Try to identify where these stereotypes may have come from
Do these stereotypes have any implications?
Start to consider the effects of stereotyping
Positive and negative stereotyping
Link stereotyping to developing prejudice and discrimination

14. Activity: What Sport Do You Play?
Group activity:
Discuss the sport(s) you play
Give reasons for your choice
Explore what influenced your choices.
What assumptions can be drawn from your choice(s)?
Where did these ideas come from?
Are there any negative effects to these stereotypes?

15. Psychology of Stereotyping
Stereotyping individuals for the groups to which they belong is considered a limiting behaviour
For those who are stereotyped, it can limit their individual development by failing to recognise their uniqueness and reducing their options in life

16. Stereotyping Outcomes
Stereotyping can have lead to inequality in a number of ways:
Stereotypes shape people’s expectations of themselves and of others
Stereotypes can limit people’s choices and opportunities in life
Stereotypes can also influence how someone is perceived
In some circumstances, people can be prevented from accessing education, services or employment because of stereotyping
In other words: Stereotyping often leads to discrimination

17. Task: Degree of Stereotyping
Discuss whether some stereotypes are more serious than others?
Explore whether all stereotypes are bad or negative, and what might difficult about good or positive stereotypes?

18. Task: Good Neighbours
Imagine the house next door is up for sale and the following are potential new neighbours. Place in order of preference, giving reasons for your choices.
A retired school teacher and his wife
A large family: Two parents and seven children
A black family
A newly married couple
A lesbian couple
A young white couple with a small baby
A young black man in his early 20s
A Polish family
A convicted criminal released after serving his/her sentence
A Traveller family

19. Thought for the Day A controversial advertisement from Portugal:
Click here.