essay on stereotypes in high school

19 High School Stereotypes (List of Examples)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

High school stereotypes are often based on generalizations and assumptions that people make about a certain group of students. While there may be some truth to these stereotypes, they often overlook the individuality of each student.

Some students look to these stereotypes to construct their own identities and may even consciously gravitate to one or the other as they “try on” different identities to see which one seems most natural for them.

Below are some of the most well-known high school stereotypes.

High School Stereotypes

1. the jocks.

This is the stereotypical high school student who is always into sports and hangs out with other athletes. They usually have a macho attitude and can be bullies. An example of a jock in popular culture is the character Andrew Clark from the movie The Breakfast Club .

2. The nerds

This student is typically very intelligent and spends most of their time studying or doing homework. They often have minimal social life and can be bullied by the jocks. Nerds are often the subjects of jokes, but they usually have the last laugh because they end up being wealthy after school and peak later in life, and some nerds embrace the term as a positive stereotype . An example of a nerd in popular culture is the character Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory .

3. The popular girls/boys

These are the students who are always at the top of the social ladder and have lots of friends. They usually dress in the latest trends and can be snobby and mean to others. An example of a popular girl in popular culture is the character Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. The popular boy in Gossip Girl was Chuck Bass.

4. The band geeks

These students are usually very passionate about music and often join the school band or choir. They can be social outcasts and are often ridiculed by the other students. An example of a band geek in popular culture is the character Michelle Flaherty in American Pie .

5. The theater kids

The theater kids and band geeks often occupy the same place on the social hierarchy (which is pretty low). These students are usually very creative and expressive but not traditionally seen as cool by others. They often participate in school plays or musicals. The kids on High School Musical are all positioned as theater kids in one way or another.

6. The rebel

This student doesn’t care about school or what others think of them. They often get into trouble and dress in a way that stands out from the rest of the students. The rebel often defies the norms and rules because they feel disempowered by the school. They might feel as if the teachers don’t like them or the way the teachers deliver lessons is unappealing and doesn’t relate to their lives. A good example of a rebel is Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off .

7. The overachiever

This is the student who is always trying to get straight A’s and participate in as many co-curricular clubs and extracurricular activities as possible. They can be perfectionists and can be quite stressed out by their desperate need to be the best at everything. An example of the overachiever is Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls who obsesses over getting into an Ivy League university.

8. The slacker

This is the student who doesn’t care about school and does the bare minimum to get by. They often sleep in class and skip homework and may even skip school whenever they have the opportunity. This student doesn’t seem to care about their own education and doesn’t have much of a vison for their future. An example of the slacker is the character John Bender from The Breakfast Club .

9. The know-it-all

This student thinks they know everything and can be very arrogant. They often butt into conversations and make others feel unintelligent. They often don’t have many friends because they’re abrasive and even the teacher finds their know-it-all attitude abrasive. An example of this negative stereotype is Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls .

10. The loner

This is the student who prefers to spend their time alone rather than with other people. They may be shy or have social anxiety and can feel out of place at school. Or, they may have tried to make friends but doesn’t have the social skills to do so. A good example of the loner is Seth Cohen from The O.C.

11. The class clown

This student likes to make everyone laugh and is always joking around. They may not be the best students, but they’re always entertaining. The class clown often makes the other students feel more comfortable in awkward situations but they frustrate the teacher because they interrupt learning. An example of the class clown is Bart Simpson from The Simpsons .

12. The teacher’s pet

This is the student who is always trying to please the teacher and is always raising their hand in class. They may be a suck-up or just trying to get good grades. Either way, this student is not very popular with their classmates. An example of the teacher’s pet is Hermione Granger from Harry Potter .

13. The artsy kid

This student is into creative things like art, music, or writing. They often have a unique style and can be different from other students at school. They’re often misunderstood by the other students and may feel like they don’t fit in. They’re usually very talented in the arts but don’t get the respect they deserve from their classmates. An example of the artsy kid is Lane Kim from Gilmore Girls .

14. The misfits – emos, goths, and punks

The misfits are students who feel disempowered by the school and unliked by the mainstream children. They often retreat to angsty music that empathizes with their emotions. Three subcultural groups that misfits can fit into are the emos, goths, and punks. The emos listen to music like Simple Plan and revel in misery. The goths listen to angry music and wear leather jackets and spiked hair. The punks listen to music like The Ramones and The Clash that explores themes of anarchy and rebellion.

15. The hipsters

The hipsters are into vintage clothes, obscure music, and alternative lifestyles . They often sneer at mainstream culture and try to be non-conformist (but, ironically, conform to their own cultural meld). They take their fashion and hobbies from cues the beat generation of the 1950s. An example of a hipster is Jess Mariano from Gilmore Girls .

16. The skaters

The skaters are the students who spend their time skating around the school or in the skatepark. They often dress in baggy clothes and listen to punk rock music. They don’t care about school and often get into trouble for skipping class or causing disturbances. An example of a skater is, of course, Avril Lavigne, who epitomized the female skater girl of her generation.

17. The Christians

The Christians are the students who go to church every Sunday and try to live their lives according to the Bible. They often have strict moral codes and can be judgmental of others. They’re often ridiculed by other students for their religion, but they stay strong in their faith. An example of the Christian student is Jamie Sullivan from A Walk to Remember .

18. The hippies

The hippies are the students who believe in peace, love, and understanding. They often have long hair and dress in colorful clothes. They’re usually very accepting of others and try to get along with everyone. However, they can sometimes be obnoxious in their attempts to appear spiritual and open-minded. An example of a hippie is Che from Season 4 of The O.C .

19. The floaters

The floaters are the students who don’t really fit into any one category. They’re not popular, but they’re also not outcasts and often end up being friends with many different students from different groups. They often just float through school without making much of an impression on their classmates. An example of a floater is Cady Heron from Mean Girls .

More Stereotypes Lists

• Cultural Stereotype Examples
• Gender Stereotype Examples
• Types of Stereotypes

Stereotypes exist in every high school, no matter what kind of students attend it. While some of these stereotypes may be true for a certain percentage of the student body, they’re not always accurate. It’s important to remember that people are more than just their labels and we should get to know each other before making judgments.

But media, and particularly pop culture movies, tend to perpetuate these high school stereotypes from generation to generation.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Green Flags in a Relationship
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Signs you're Burnt Out, Not Lazy
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Toxic Things Parents Say to their Children

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stereotypes in Highschool: Unmasking the Truth Behind Student Labels

Stereotypes in high school are as ubiquitous as lockers and textbooks. They’re an unfortunate part of the teenage experience that can have lasting effects on our self-esteem, relationships, and even academic performance. I’ve noticed that these stereotypes often go unchallenged, silently shaping how we perceive ourselves and others.

From the “jocks” to the “nerds”, from the “popular kids” to the “outcasts”, these labels seem to create a social map that everyone is expected to follow. It’s almost like a pre-written script for a play where everyone has been assigned roles without auditioning for them.

However, it’s time we questioned this scenario. Why do we allow such labels to define us? Are they accurate or just oversimplified perceptions? By delving into these questions, my aim is not only to expose the fallacies behind these stereotypes but also encourage critical thinking about their impact on students’ lives.

Understanding Stereotypes in High School

Let’s dive right into the deep end of high school stereotypes. We’ve all seen them, haven’t we? The jocks, the nerds, the popular kids – these are labels we’re all too familiar with.

High school is often portrayed as a battleground of social hierarchies and cliques. How real are these stereotypes though? Well, research suggests that while there’s some truth to it, it isn’t quite as black and white as movies make us believe.

For instance,

• The Jocks : Yes, athletes tend to be more popular. But they’re not always the rule-breaking rebels we see on-screen. In fact, a study published in “Sociology of Education” revealed that high school athletes actually have higher grades than non-athletes on average.
• The Nerds : Academic achievers aren’t always socially inept either! A 2017 survey found that students with A grades were just as likely to have a large group of friends compared to their peers.
• The Popular Kids : Popularity doesn’t necessarily correlate with being mean or superficial. In reality, popular students often exhibit qualities like kindness and inclusiveness.

Now you may ask why does this matter? Why should we care about debunking high school stereotypes?

Well because they can be harmful! They box people in and limit their potential. It’s important for us to challenge these stereotypes so every student feels free to explore their interests without fear of being labelled or judged.

Remember folks, everyone has their own unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, passions and quirks. Let’s celebrate individuality instead of sticking labels on each other!

The Origin of High School Stereotypes

Let’s dive into the origin of high school stereotypes. Rooted deeply in our culture, these stereotypes often stretch back generations. It’s fascinating to see how they’ve evolved and shifted over time, yet some have remained strikingly constant.

Stereotypes are society’s way of categorizing people into neat little boxes. These labels typically find their roots in Hollywood and popular media – think of iconic movies like “The Breakfast Club” or “Mean Girls,” which have played a significant role in shaping our perceptions about high school cliques.

• Jocks : Athletes who excel at sports but are depicted as less academically inclined.
• Nerds : Intellectually gifted students, often portrayed with a lack of social skills.
• Popular girls : Attractive, outgoing females who rule the school with an iron fist.
• Outcasts/Emos/Goths : Students who don’t fit into mainstream groups and often have darker interests.

In many cases, these portrayals aren’t reflective of reality. They’re oversimplified depictions that fail to recognize the complex identities each student possesses.

Interestingly enough, much of this stereotyping also has its origins in psychology. Social Identity Theory suggests that we categorize people as a way to understand our social environment better – it gives us a sense of belonging and identity.

Moreover, these stereotypes can be traced back even further to societal norms and expectations around gender roles and academic abilities. Centuries ago, men were expected to be strong warriors (precursors to jocks), while women were expected to be beautiful caregivers (forerunners for popular girls).

But remember folks! While understanding where these stereotypes come from is essential for context – perpetuating them can lead to harmful consequences such as bullying or discrimination. We must remember that everyone is more than just one trait or label — we’re all unique individuals with our own stories and skills.

Different Types of Stereotypes in High Schools

High schools, we can all agree, are a melting pot of diverse personalities and backgrounds. Yet, it’s easy to notice that stereotypes still persist in this environment. Let’s dive into some of these common high school stereotypes.

The first one that jumps out is the ‘Jocks.’ These are the athletes who are often identified by their physical prowess and participation in sports. They’re typically portrayed as popular but not so academically inclined. But remember, this is just a stereotype!

Next up we have the ‘Nerds’ or ‘Geeks.’ They’re generally recognized for their academic brilliance and love for subjects like math or science. Their social status? That’s usually depicted as somewhat low in films and TV shows. However, I’d like to remind you that nerds rule the world today! Think Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg.

Let’s not forget about ‘Goths’ or ‘Emos.’ They stand out with their unique fashion style – think black clothing, heavy make-up, piercings – reflecting a subculture inspired by goth rock or emo music. They’re often branded as gloomy or overly sensitive.

Then there are the ‘Preps’ usually seen at the top of the social ladder alongside jocks. Preps are characterized by their interest in maintaining an image through brand-name clothing and active social lives filled with various activities and events.

Lastly, let’s talk about ‘Outcasts’. This term refers to those who don’t fit into any specific group – they tend to be loners who might find it hard to blend into typical high school social scenes.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

It’s crucial to remember that these stereotypes do not define every student’s high school experience. They’re broad generalizations that often don’t consider individuality and personal growth. So, let’s continue to challenge these stereotypes and embrace the unique qualities each person brings to the table!

Impact of Stereotypes on High School Students’ Self-Perception

Ever wondered how stereotypes influence the way high school students see themselves? I’ve often pondered this question myself. Turns out, it’s much more significant than most of us would like to believe.

Research shows that stereotypes can mold a student’s self-perception in profound ways. A study by Steele and Aronson (1995) highlighted an effect known as “stereotype threat”. In their research, they found that African-American college students performed poorly on standardized tests when reminded of racial stereotypes. The fear of confirming the negative stereotype led these students to underperform, reinforcing their belief in the stereotype.

Now, let’s bring this down to our high school scenario. Imagine you’re a teenager already grappling with identity issues, then add the weight of damaging stereotypes. It could be anything from “all jocks are dumb” to “nerds can’t be popular”. These labels not only box students into rigid roles but also create unrealistic expectations.

Here are some startling statistics:

These figures represent the percentage of high school students who reported feeling pressure to conform to these stereotypes.

Anecdotal evidence further emphasizes this impact. I’ve spoken with numerous teenagers who admitted they’ve altered their behavior or suppressed certain traits because it didn’t fit with their assigned ‘category’. This act is not without consequences – it often leads to loss of individuality and hinders personal growth.

So what does all this mean for our high schoolers? It means we need more awareness about the detrimental impact of stereotypes on self-perception among both educators and parents. After all, isn’t high school tough enough without having your self-view distorted by preconceived notions?

How Stereotypes Affect Interpersonal Relationships in High School

It’s no secret that high school can be a challenging time. But have you stopped to consider how much stereotypes might influence this period? Stereotypes, those preconceived notions we hold about certain groups of people, play a significant role in shaping interpersonal relationships at this critical stage.

For starters, let’s think about the various cliques that seem to exist in every high school. Jocks, nerds, goths – these labels can instantly color our perceptions of others. They create an artificial division between students and can limit opportunities for friendships outside one’s own group. This phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal; research has shown that stereotypes tend to promote exclusivity within social circles.

Here are some statistics:

Furthermore, there’s evidence suggesting these stereotypes affect academic performance as well. For instance, if someone is labeled as a ‘dumb jock’, they might internalize this stereotype and underperform academically even if they possess the potential for scholastic success.

Think about it from another angle: imagine being a teenager trying to discover your identity while constantly bumping into these stereotype walls. It’s like being stuck in a box where your actions and behaviors are dictated by societal expectations rather than personal desires or inherent traits .

• Bullying often stems from stereotypes
• Stereotypes may cause stress and anxiety
• Identity crisis could be triggered by stereotypes

The power of stereotypes lies not only in their ability to shape our interactions with others but also how we see ourselves. Until we actively work towards breaking down these harmful notions, they’ll continue influencing high school experiences far more than they should.

Role of Media in Perpetuating High School Stereotypes

Let’s dive deep into the role media plays in reinforcing high school stereotypes. It’s hard to deny that movies, TV shows, and social media platforms have a significant influence on how we perceive high school life. Time and again, they’ve depicted this phase in our lives as a period riddled with clichéd characters – the jocks, nerds, cheerleaders, and outcasts.

Take for instance popular films like “Mean Girls” or “The Breakfast Club”. They’re notorious for their stereotypical portrayal of high school students. While these movies are entertaining and relatable to some degree, they can also reinforce harmful stereotypes. They often suggest that people belong to particular groups based on their interests or abilities. This is far from reality where students’ identities are multifaceted and transcend such categorizations.

Furthermore, it’s not just about Hollywood productions either; even digital platforms play their part. Social media apps like Instagram or Facebook highlight perfect lives filled with popularity and success – an image most high schoolers strive for but rarely attain.

Research studies back up this claim too! A study published by Journal of Youth Studies found that exposure to such content increases adolescents’ endorsement of popularity as the ultimate goal. This incessant bombardment of stereotypes has real-world implications on how teenagers view themselves and their peers in a high-school setting.

Yet it’s important to note that not all media portrayals are detrimental; some manage to break free from these traditional molds. Shows like “Freaks & Geeks” or “My So-Called Life” present nuanced characters who defy conventional classifications.

Here’s to hoping that moving forward, the media will take more responsibility in presenting a balanced view of high school life – one that reflects its complexities and diversity.

Strategies to Challenge and Overcome Stereotypes in High Schools

I’ve spent considerable time pondering about how we can challenge and overcome stereotypes in high schools. The journey begins with awareness. It’s crucial that students, teachers, and parents alike recognize the presence of these stereotypes. I’ve seen firsthand how they can limit a student’s potential.

Education is another key factor here. Implementing comprehensive, diversity-inclusive education programs can go a long way towards breaking down these prejudiced walls. We’re talking about lessons that paint an accurate picture of different cultures, races, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Here are some interesting facts from my research:

These numbers indicate there’s much work to be done.

Next up on my list of strategies is fostering open conversations around the topic. Encourage students to share personal experiences with stereotyping and discuss possible solutions together. This dialogue will help build empathy among peers.

Finally, it’s important for us adults to lead by example. By challenging our own biases and prejudices, we send a powerful message to our kids about acceptance and understanding.

There you have it – four practical strategies that could potentially turn the tide against stereotypes in high schools.

Conclusion: Breaking Free from the Cycle of High School Stereotypes

It’s time to shatter the glass ceiling of high school stereotypes. I’ve spent considerable time discussing their origins, impacts, and ways to combat them. Now, it’s up to all of us—students, educators, parents—to take action.

The first step is recognizing that these caricatures exist but don’t define who we are or who we can become. We should encourage diversity and individuality instead of pushing students into predetermined roles.

Next, schools need to create a more inclusive environment where every student feels valued for their unique skills and talents. This could include:

• Implementing anti-bullying programs
• Offering diverse course options
• Promoting open discussions about stereotypes

Lastly, let’s remember it takes a village to raise a child. Parents, teachers and community members must work together in dispelling these harmful labels.

Let’s not forget that numbers speak volumes too. In my research on this topic:

This data clearly shows an uptick in the number of students affected by stereotypes year after year—a trend we need to reverse.

Breaking free from high school stereotypes isn’t just about creating healthier school cultures—it’s about ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to succeed in life without being held back by unfair judgments or expectations. It’ll be a challenging journey but definitely worth pursuing. After all, our future leaders are walking those hallways right now!

Related Posts

Common Stereotypes: Unraveling the Truth Behind Widespread Beliefs

Fear Women: Understanding and Overcoming this Common Phobia

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Relationships

Stereotypes in Schools: Why They’re Dangerous & How to Combat Them

Last Updated: December 22, 2023 Fact Checked

• High School Stereotypes in Media
• Real-Life Generalizations

How Stereotypes Harm Students

• Challenging School Stereotypes

This article was reviewed by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Finn Kobler . Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association. There are 24 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 15,056 times.

Stereotypes about high school have worked their way into mainstream culture for the past several decades. They influence how society views teenagers, how teachers view students, and how students view themselves. In this article, we’ll offer a comprehensive breakdown of some of the most common school stereotypes, from characters in media to harmful real-life generalizations about students. We’ll then explain how these stereotypes are dangerous and some easy ways to challenge them to make school a better place for everyone. School isn’t like it is in the movies; keep reading to understand why.

Things You Should Know

• Common school stereotypes include the jock (an unintelligent athlete) and the nerd (a socially awkward genius).
• Stereotyping is dangerous because it makes students feel like their performance will reflect the skill of their entire group (their clique, gender, race, etc).
• One of the most effective ways to challenge stereotyping is to include a more diverse array of role models in the classroom, from scientists to authors.

Common High School Stereotypes in Media

• Examples: Andy from The Breakfast Club , Joey from 10 Things I Hate About You , Slater from Saved by the Bell [2] X Research source

• Examples: Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory , McLovin from Superbad , Napoleon from Napoleon Dynamite

• Examples: Claire from The Breakfast Club , Regina from Mean Girls , Steve from Stranger Things

• Examples: Michelle from American Pie , Rachel from Glee , Sam from The Perks of Being a Wallflower

• Examples: Bender from The Breakfast Club , Ferris from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off , Warren Peace from Sky High

• Examples: Tracy Flick from Election , Molly from Booksmart , Max Fischer from Rushmore

• Examples: Allison from The Breakfast Club , Ellie from Degrassi , Jade from Victorious

• Examples: Karen from Mean Girls , Cher from Clueless , Brittany from Glee

• Examples: Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High , Daniel from Freaks and Geeks , Lloyd from Say Anything

• Examples: Marianne from Easy A , Millie from Freaks and Geeks , Darcy from Degrassi

• Examples: Mary Jane from Spider-Man , Lexi from Euphoria , Greg from Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Real-Life Generalizations About Students

• The truth: teenagers only lash out when they feel like their autonomy is threatened. Most high-school-aged students want to feel valued, and seen as capable of handling things on their own. When this is threatened, they feel disrespected and find it hard to collaborate or engage. [14] X Research source

• The truth: While middle schoolers’ brains are still developing, they start to develop their own opinions and worldview at this age. They want to be active members of their community and engage in meaningful discussions. The more they have access to hands-on methods of teaching, the more successful they’ll be. [17] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

• The truth: a lot of private school students are middle class or poor. Several are on scholarship and their families work extra jobs to afford the tuition so their child can have access to a better, safer education. In addition, these private school students feel outcast from their more affluent peers, and being grouped in with them only creates more role confusion. [18] X Research source

• The truth: All students should be encouraged to pursue their individual passions, regardless of gender. There are plenty of award-winning female scientists and authors that can be incorporated into the curriculum to show offer students a more diverse range of perspectives and inspire everyone. [20] X Research source

• For example, if Susie is about to take a math test and her teacher has enforced some gender stereotypes in the classroom (focusing more on the boys when referring to careers in math, always saying “he” when referring to a doctor or engineer), she may feel like, if she fails, it will reflect poorly on all the girls. This pressure may cause her to make more mistakes on her exam.

• For example, if Ryan wants to play baseball but is seen as a goth, he may not try out for the team out of fear he’ll be seen as portraying his goth friends or judged by the other baseball players.
• Studies show that, if students are stereotyped early in school, they’re likely to carry these perceived limits into adult life. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

How to Challenge School Stereotypes

• As a Teacher: Incorporate regular discussions about diversity and inclusion into your classroom to encourage students. If you feel like you don’t know enough about these subjects, (ask your teacher to) bring in an expert.
• As a Student: Invite your classmates to join one of your clubs and try to create friendships with the people who show up.
• As a Parent: If your child considers themself an artsy kid but shows an aptitude for athletics, encourage them to try out and look into coaches to help them improve.

• As a Teacher: Incorporate a few lessons on stereotyping into your curriculum. Have an in-depth discussion with your students about popular stereotypes in media and history and allow them to openly voice their feelings about it.
• As a Student: If you hear your friends using insensitive terms, kindly but firmly correct them and explain why you feel their language is hurtful.
• As a Parent: Consider using gender-neutral language like “children” rather than “son” or “daughter” and avoid making assumptions about their sexual preference.

• As a Teacher: Ensure your curriculum covers multiple cultures, take field trips to unique cultural sites, and invite guest speakers from unique backgrounds to talk to/inspire your students. [24] X Research source
• As a Student: Ask your student government to host regular open forums where all students can drop by and voice their opinions without judgment.
• As a Parent: Talk to your school’s faculty about areas you think the school could be diversified. If you come from a unique background, volunteer to share your story or get administration in touch with leadership from your community.

• As a Teacher: Offer your students a “get-to-know-you” survey that asks questions about their goals, hobbies, and lives so you have concrete information to connect with them over.
• As a Student: Try to make new friends during breaks. Talk to at least one new person every day and avoid sitting at the same place at lunch.
• As a Parent: Invite your kids’ friends over for dinner so you can develop your own relationship with them, rather than just hearing about them through stories.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://ed.stanford.edu/in-the-media/dumb-jock-stereotype-can-be-self-fulfilling-prophecy-cites-research-t
• ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/famous-jocks-in-pop-culture-movies
• ↑ https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/206011
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decisions-teens-make/201411/cool-kids
• ↑ https://www.metroparent.com/parenting/tweens-teens/categories-of-high-school-cliques-identified/
• ↑ https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/IneffectualLoner
• ↑ https://www.jstor.org/stable/20153828
• ↑ https://dailyfreepress.com/2019/09/10/our-true-face-blond-stereotypes-are-rooted-in-misogyny-and-need-to-be-eradicated/
• ↑ https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheSlacker
• ↑ https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SourPrudes
• ↑ https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FeaturelessProtagonist
• ↑ https://www.postcrescent.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/03/12/stereotypes-define-teens/70233596/
• ↑ https://www.developmentalscience.com/blog/2017/11/29/teenagers-might-have-a-problem-with-respect-but-its-not-the-one-you-think
• ↑ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00940771.2020.1787749
• ↑ https://www.classcraft.com/blog/middle-school-students/
• ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/articles/developmental-milestones-for-typical-middle-schoolers
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jun/18/i-was-a-poor-kid-at-a-wealthy-private-school-it-gave-me-social-mobility-but-also-a-sense-of-shame
• ↑ https://hub.jhu.edu/2018/09/07/gender-stereotypes-child-development/
• ↑ https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/smashing-gender-stereotypes-and-bias-and-through-education
• ↑ https://www.iop.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/IGB-gender-stereotypes.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6436457/
• ↑ https://etchedinstone.org/8697/features/8697/
• ↑ https://pce.sandiego.edu/10-ways-to-teach-diversity-in-the-classroom/
• ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_beat_stereotypes_by_seeing_people_as_individuals

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get wikiHow's expert advice in our new

Weekly Relationships Newsletter