Stereotypes are mental shortcuts we all use to make sense of the world. Whether related to gender, age, social background, or appearance, they unconsciously shape our judgments and decisions. In 2025, despite widespread discourse on diversity and inclusion, these biases remain deeply ingrained in our societies. Why? And more importantly—how do we break free?

Inspired by the book Do Stereotypes Die Hard? by Léwis Verdun, we explore a related and pressing topic: the invisible yet persistent impact of stereotypes in everyday decision-making—from hiring practices to advertising and algorithmic bias.

The Silent Power of Stereotypes in Decision-Making

We like to think of ourselves as rational decision-makers. Yet, studies have shown that our choices are often influenced by unconscious stereotypes. Identical résumés can receive different responses based solely on the name of the applicant—exposing persistent biases related to gender or ethnicity.

These biases lead to tangible consequences: exclusion of competent profiles, hiring discrimination, educational inequality, and underrepresentation in media.

Verdun draws on Pew Research Center and EIGE data to show that these stereotypes continue to shape both our professional and cultural environments—even among Gen Z.

Algorithmic Bias: When AI Reinforces Human Stereotypes

One of today’s key challenges is how algorithms, trained on historical (and biased) data, end up reproducing human stereotypes.

According to Verdun, AI tools often depict women as younger and less experienced, and associate racialized profiles with negative or low-status roles.

These are not trivial problems—they scale bias across millions of users.

While initiatives like IBM’s AI Fairness 360 offer hope, systemic solutions are still rare.

Stereotypes in Advertising and Media Narratives

Stereotypes are everywhere—in ads, films, and social platforms. Verdun notes that 71% of women shown in advertising are in domestic roles, and women over 60 are nearly absent from campaigns.

This type of representation influences social norms and identity. When groups are invisible or always negatively portrayed, they internalize these limits.

Inclusive storytelling, however, can open new possibilities. Diverse, realistic representations drive both social impact and brand performance.

Some companies are changing—Dove, L’Oréal, and others—but the shift needs to become the standard, not the exception.

Moving Beyond Stereotypes: Practical and Intergenerational Solutions

Verdun offers concrete, actionable strategies: responsible advertising, intergenerational workplace programs, algorithmic transparency, and education to combat cognitive bias from a young age.

These ideas are already being piloted, with encouraging results—but require commitment and structural change.

Stereotypes haven’t disappeared in 2025. They’ve gone digital—but their impact remains. Through rich, evidence-based analysis, Do Stereotypes Die Hard? provides a clear, accessible roadmap to understanding and dismantling them.

Discover Do Stereotypes Die Hard? now on FIVE MINUTES!