Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Labeling a patient an alcoholic based on ethnicity exemplifies which concept?

1. Stereotyping

2. Prejudice

3. Racism

4. Ethnocentrism

The correct answer is: Stereotyping

Labeling a patient an alcoholic based solely on their ethnicity exemplifies stereotyping because it involves making generalized assumptions about an individual based on their membership in a particular ethnic group. Stereotyping oversimplifies complex human behaviors and traits, leading to misconceptions and biases. This sort of classification neglects the individuality and unique experiences of the person, often leading to harmful consequences in healthcare settings, such as stigmatization and inadequate care. While prejudice and racism are related concepts—prejudice being a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, and racism involving discrimination or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior—stereotyping specifically focuses on attributing certain characteristics or behaviors to individuals based on their ethnicity. Ethnocentrism refers to evaluating other cultures based on the standards of one’s own culture, which is not directly applicable in this scenario of labeling an individual.