👉 Essentialization is a concept in sociology that describes how certain practices or behaviors are normalized, idealized, or prescribed as necessary for social and cultural norms. It often involves the creation of rigid rules or expectations to ensure conformity, which can lead to the suppression of alternative lifestyles or values. Essentialization can be seen in various areas of society such as education, media, politics, and religion, where it is used to maintain a certain level of order and stability.