Title: How Does Stereotyping Affect Relationships? | Our Everyday Life
Headings: How Does Stereotyping Affect Relationships?
How Does Stereotyping Affect Relationships?
Gender Stereotypes
Racial and Ethnic Stereotypes
Stereotypes and Aging
Long-Term Effects

Content: Racial and ethnic stereotypes overlap with gender stereotypes to the extent that they influence romantic relationships, the research found. For instance, the more a man is attracted to femininity, the more likely he is to be attracted to an Asian woman -- stereotyped as meek and passive -- and the less likely he is to be attracted to an African-American woman -- stereotyped as aggressive and outspoken. Stereotypes and Aging
Stereotypes regarding age include the assumptions that the elderly are forgetful and frail, and that younger individuals are naive and do not know what is best for themselves. In either case, their feelings and opinions are minimized, which can cause decreased self-confidence and sense of autonomy. A teenager might feel frustrated and angry if someone tells him to stop taking a dating relationship seriously. Similarly, a senior citizen may feel powerless if her younger relatives refuse to let her help prepare dinner. Long-Term Effects
People facing stereotyping and discrimination struggle with the effects for years, writes Rick Nauert, associate professor for the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals doctoral program in health promotion and wellness, in his article for Psych Central, "Long-Term Effects of Stereotyping." People who have experienced prejudice are more likely to be aggressive and to make irrational decisions. These effects can impact relationships in a variety of ways. Aggression toward loved ones and acquaintances can end relationships, for instance.