Client stereotypes co-evolve with work routines and job conceptions to fit together

Evidence

First, segmentation of the client population complements work practices that are themselves compromises, and it also complements the resulting reconceptions of work objectives. In other words, patterns of practice, conceptions of the job, and conceptions of the clients must fit together if street-level bureaucrats are to resolve work contradictions successfully. Private conceptions of the clientele will be developed in proportion to the need to come to a private resolution of the contradictions in the work. — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy, 1139

Categorization

• DEEPTHINKING: The mutual-fit argument implies stereotype institutionalization is driven by practice, not belief — a self-reinforcing tripartite lock that resists cultural narrative change.
• XREF: connects to: Job-stress coping needs produce attitudes that redefine clients and the work itself — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy: Dilemmas of…, 1047; Restructuring job incentives and stresses can change workers’ client attitudes — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy: Dilemmas of…, 1050; Frontline work structure, not worker prejudice, creates receptivity to stereotypes — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy: Dilemmas of…, 844 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Stereotypes are rigidly believed simplifications that serve biasing work needs #expands (0.90) — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy, 1049
• Frontline work structure, not worker prejudice, creates receptivity to stereotypes #expands (0.85) — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy, 844
• Information processes in frontline work confirm rather than correct workers’ stereotypes about clients. #expands (0.80) — Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy, 1144