he cognitive and motivational aspects of stereotypes and their impact in the U.S.

Across U.S. history, stereotypes have been used to justify social inequality and discrimination against certain groups. Stereotypes result from motivational processes that serve to promote and protect the self from threats as well as from cognitive processes that serve to save mental energy by simplifying our social world. Today, motivationally- and cognitively-driven stereotypes continue to shape public opinion and policies on a broad range of topics including welfare reform, immigration, affirmative action, sexual harassment, and law enforcement.

Understanding stereotypes is critical for understanding inequality. This chapter provides an overview of what stereotypes are, where they come from, and how they affect us.