1. Plural of essentialism; philosophical or theoretical positions that hold certain properties or characteristics are fundamental, unchanging, or inherent to a thing, group, or category.
Usage: Often used in academic and critical contexts, particularly in philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies.; Frequently appears in discussions of identity, gender, race, and social categories.
2. Instances or examples of the belief that certain groups (ethnic, gender, racial, etc.) have fixed, unchanging natures or characteristics.
Usage: Often used critically to describe problematic generalizations about social groups.

Examples

• The philosopher critiqued various essentialisms that assumed women naturally possess certain traits.
• Postmodern theorists reject essentialisms about identity and culture.
• Different essentialisms about race have been used to justify discrimination throughout history.
• The debate between essentialisms and constructivisms remains central to contemporary sociology.
• Feminist scholars have challenged essentialisms that limit women to traditional roles.
• These essentialisms oversimplify the complexity of human experience and social categories.