What term describes preconceived views of a group held by outsiders, often characterized as negative and inflexible?

The term that best describes preconceived views of a group held by outsiders, often characterized as negative and inflexible, is "stereotype." Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a particular group of people, which can lead to misinterpretation and unfair judgments. These views are usually not based on personal experience but rather on societal perceptions, cultural narratives, or media portrayals.

Stereotypes can perpetuate harmful biases and foster discrimination because they reduce individuals to a set of assumed characteristics, ignoring the diversity and complexity of people within that group. This lack of nuance and understanding is what makes stereotypes particularly rigid and damaging.

In contrast, while "myth" can refer to traditional stories or widely held but false beliefs about a group, it doesn't specifically capture the negative and inflexible nature of societal views. "Prejudice" refers to preconceived opinions or feelings, often negative, towards an individual or group, but it does not necessarily imply the oversimplification characteristic of stereotypes. "Image" typically pertains to the public perception or representation of a group, which can be shaped by various factors beyond just stereotypes alone. Therefore, "stereotype" is the most precise term in this context.