Stereotypes are generalised and overly simplified beliefs about groups of people. They are usually not based on information, but on impressions or opinions we adopt during our lives, sometimes from personal experiences.

Facets of society are organised in ways that create deep patterns of behaviour which in turn create social, economic and cultural differences which disadvantage groups of people. This is often linked to institutional discrimination or bias, where mechanisms exist that favour certain groups of people over others.

Prejudices are judgements – usually negative – that we make about people that we don’t really know. Unlike stereotypes, prejudices tend to be formed based on information – but it is down to individual perception as to whether the information is true.

We each have a personal identity, and a natural need to identify with certain groups or categories. However, this can sometimes lead to groups believing they are superior to others, which can create intolerance and division.