1. the belief that things have a set of characteristics that make them what they are, and that the task of science and philosophy is their discovery and expression
Usage: philosophy
2. the view that categories of people have natural, unchangeable characteristics that define their identity
Usage: sociology; psychology

Examples

• The philosopher rejected essentialism in favor of a more fluid understanding of identity.
• Critics argue that gender essentialism ignores the role of culture and environment.
• Essentialism suggests that mathematical truths exist independently of human thought.
• The debate between essentialism and social construction continues in academic circles.
• Her research challenges essentialist views about racial differences.
• Essentialism in education assumes that students have fixed learning styles.
• The theory of essentialism has been influential in both philosophy and psychology.