What is a generalized belief about a group of people known as?

A generalized belief about a group of people is known as a stereotype. Stereotypes involve oversimplified and widely held ideas or images of a particular demographic, often leading to assumptions that do not take into account individual differences. This term is crucial in discussions surrounding prejudice and social perceptions, as it highlights how these broad generalizations can shape societal attitudes and behavior toward groups.

In contrast, clichés refer to overused phrases or ideas that have lost their originality and impact, while archetypes are typical characters or themes that recur across different works and cultures, representing universal patterns of human nature. Myths, on the other hand, usually pertain to traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena, often involving supernatural qualities. By defining a stereotype specifically, it becomes clear why this choice is the most accurate representation of a generalized belief about a group of people.