
Essentialism in psychology
Essentialism in psychology is the idea that certain traits, behaviors, or characteristics are believed to be innate and fundamentally tied to specific groups or individuals. It suggests that people or objects have an "essence" that makes them what they are, which is often seen as fixed and unchangeable. For example, some may think that certain talents or tendencies are natural and inherited rather than influenced by environment or experiences. This perspective can influence how we perceive differences among groups or individuals, sometimes leading to stereotypes or assumptions about inherent qualities.