Essentialism in anthropology

Essentialism in anthropology is the idea that certain cultural traits, behaviors, or characteristics are innate, fixed, and naturally belonging to specific groups. It suggests that differences between groups are fundamental and unchangeable, often leading to stereotypes. This perspective can oversimplify and misrepresent the diversity and fluidity of human cultures by viewing them as rooted in inherent qualities rather than shaped by history, environment, or individual choice. Modern anthropology generally moves away from essentialism in favor of understanding cultures as dynamic, complex, and influenced by many changing factors.