Dictionary Definition
pigeonholing n : a system for classifying things
into groups [syn: grouping]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Verb
pigeonholing- present participle of pigeonhole
Noun
- the classification of disparate entities into categories, not always for the right reason
Extensive Definition
Pigeonholing is a term used to describe processes
that attempt to classify disparate entities into a small number of
categories (usually, mutually exclusive ones).
The expression usually carries connotations of
criticism, implying that the classification scheme referred to does
not adequately reflect the entities being sorted, or that it is
based on stereotypes.
Common failings of pigeonholing schemes
include:
- Categories are poorly defined (often because they are subjective).
- Entities may be suited to more than one category. Example: rhubarb is both 'poisonous' and 'edible'.
- Entities may not fit into any available category. Example: asking somebody from Washington, DC which state they live in.
- Entities may change over time, so they no longer fit the category in which they have been placed. Example: certain species of fish may change from male to female during their life.
- Attempting to discretize properties that would be better viewed as a continuum. Example: attempting to sort people into 'introverted' and 'extroverted'.
- Criteria used to categorize entities do not accurately predict the properties ascribed to those categories. Example: relying on astrological sign as a guide to someone's personality.
Other meanings include when a congressional
committees that deal with new bills introduced in the United States
congress decide to ignore a new bill, the term "pigeonholing" is
used.