Social and Ethnic Stereotypes: Classifications, Functions, and Cultural Interpretations

The study of stereotypes has attracted scholarly attention since Walter Lippmann first introduced the concept in the 1920s. Initially linked to ethnic and ethnocultural perceptions, stereotypes have gradually expanded to encompass broader social categories such as age, gender, and profession. This article examines the theoretical approaches to understanding stereotypes, their classifications, and the mechanisms of stereotyping. By analyzing the works of researchers such as N.A. Rozhdestvenskaya, P.N. Donets, L.I. Grishaeva, V.S. Ageyev, and V.V. Krasnykh, the paper highlights the variety of perspectives on stereotypes, including personal, material, pragmatic, cognitive, hetero- and auto-stereotypes, as well as superficial versus deep-rooted stereotypes. The role of culture in shaping ethnic consciousness and national stereotypes is emphasized, illustrating how stereotypes are embedded within cultural practices and transmitted through socialization. Special attention is given to the role of mass media in reinforcing and simplifying stereotypes, often shaping public opinion and cross-cultural perceptions.