What differentiates the act of grouping people from the act of stereotyping?

How can stereotyping effect group relations ?

Grouping is done on a set of fixed criteria. For instance, physical handicap: legs, arms, other.
But in the group of legs physically handicapped, there will be a large variation of degree of handicap. Some will not be able to walk, but others will be able to walk with no difficulty. It is so easy after grouping to start to make assumtions, and stereotype.

Stereotyping puts folks into a larger group, and some members will not feel comfortable with that label.

The act of grouping people is based on categorizing individuals according to certain characteristics or criteria. It is a way of organizing people based on shared qualities or attributes, such as physical abilities or other distinguishing features.

On the other hand, stereotyping goes beyond mere categorization and involves making assumptions or generalizations about individuals based on their membership in a particular group. Stereotypes are often based on societal or cultural preconceptions, and they tend to simplify complex identities and experiences by creating a fixed set of characteristics or behaviors associated with a particular group.

Stereotyping can have a significant impact on group relations. When individuals are stereotyped, they may feel marginalized, misunderstood, or judged based on inaccurate assumptions. This can lead to negative emotions, diminished self-esteem, and a sense of exclusion. Stereotypes can also perpetuate biases and discrimination, as they may influence how people are treated or perceived in various contexts, such as education, employment, or social interactions.

It is important to recognize that every individual within a group is unique and may not conform to the assumptions or generalizations associated with that group. Treating people as individuals, rather than relying solely on stereotypes, fosters a more inclusive and respectful environment that values diversity and acknowledges the complexities of human identities.