Stereotypes, racism and good looks

The aim of this work was to identify how female secretarial students assess the phenomenon of racial discrimination in selection processes, assuming that good looks as a criterion for access to the labour market for secretaries is associated with skin colour and hair type. The aim was also to analyse how secretarial students perceive stereotypes at university and the process of disqualifying secretaries. The existence of racial criteria for professional integration is perceived by the students. The evaluation of the participants depended on the colour of their skin, the teaching institution and the semester in progress.The results allow for a discussion on strategies for tackling racial discrimination. It is essential to be aware of the various channels through which stereotypes are transmitted in order to inhibit the manifestation of negative beliefs about group attributes. Actions need to be encouraged to strengthen collective identity and thus acceptance of shared attributes.