stereotypes
n. countablen. fixed and often unfair ideas that people have about what a specific group of people is like. You use this when talking about generalizations that ignore how individuals are different.
n. fixed, oversimplified, and often prejudiced ideas or images of a particular type of person or thing. Frequently used in sociological contexts to discuss the cognitive component of prejudice.
We should try to look past cultural stereotypes.
The film was criticized for relying on lazy stereotypes rather than developing complex, believable characters.
While some argue that stereotypes contain a kernel of truth, they more often serve to reinforce social hierarchies by reducing diverse populations to a few easily digestible traits.
Often used in the plural to discuss general social patterns; frequently collocates with 'gender', 'racial', or 'cultural'.