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stereotype threat

Stereotype threat refers to the psychological pressure individuals feel when they are at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group. For instance, if a woman knows that there is a stereotype that women are not as knowledgeable in math, she might perform worse on a math test due to anxiety about reinforcing that stereotype. This fear can distract from performance, ultimately affecting outcomes in situations like education or job performance, particularly in areas associated with the stereotype. Over time, this can contribute to disparities in achievement among different groups.

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    Stereotype threat refers to the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about a group to which one belongs, which can negatively affect performance. For example, if individuals are aware that there is a stereotype that their group is less knowledgeable in a certain area, such as general knowledge, the pressure to not reinforce that stereotype can create anxiety. This stress can lead to decreased performance, making it more difficult for them to demonstrate their actual abilities. Ultimately, stereotype threat highlights how societal expectations can impact individual achievement and self-confidence.