What is a commonly held public belief about specific social groups or individuals known as?

The term commonly held public belief about specific social groups or individuals is referred to as a stereotype. Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized ideas or images that people form about others based on their membership in a particular group, often leading to misconceptions and assumptions about their behaviors, characteristics, or abilities.

Stereotypes can arise from cultural narratives, media representations, or societal norms, and they can significantly influence how people interact with one another. Recognizing and addressing stereotypes is crucial in promoting understanding and reducing discrimination, as they often reinforce negative views and limit individuals’ perceptions of others.

The other terms, while related concepts, do not capture this idea as directly. Prejudice refers to a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, which often stems from stereotypes but is more about personal attitudes. Bias refers to a tendency to lean in a certain direction, often to the detriment of an impartial judgment, and can be unconscious. Labeling involves attaching a descriptive term to an individual or group, which can often be a result of stereotypical thinking but is broader and can include various contexts. Thus, the focus on the generalization of social groups makes stereotype the most fitting choice in this scenario.