Stereotyping is having an idea or an image that many people have of a specific type of person, but in reality is not always true, it means that you are judging a ‘book by its cover’ as they say, you immediately decide, before even getting to know that person, what type of personality they have and what morals they possess.
Since the beginning of time, gender and race has played a big role in how one acts and how one is looked upon in society. For centuries in many countries it has been installed in individual’s heads that they have to live by certain stereotypes.
Racial and gender stereotypes have profound consequences in almost every sector of public life, and with reference to this report, in the medical industry. Have you ever mistaken a male nurse for a doctor or a female doctor for a nurse? The healthcare field specifically was traditionally known to be run by male physicians and female nurses.
Recent studies on stereotypes between race and gender — a phenomenon called gendered race — reveals unexpected ways in which stereotypes affect our personal and professional decisions. In South Africa we have learned to appreciate and value every citizen despite his/her culture and colour – but how far is this acceptance going when it comes to medical treatment and the medical industry in general?Is stereotyping harmful in the workplace and the answer is yes ,it is!When we make this assumption we subconsciously look for things to confirm our beliefs.
Racial stereotypes