Single Idea 15698

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 14. Knowledge of Essences]

Full Idea

We found no evidence that mothers teach essentialism to their children. ...Mothers teach children about kinds, not about essences, and mothers help children identify which categories are richly structured.

Gist of Idea

We found no evidence that mothers teach essentialism to their children

Source

Susan A. Gelman (The Essential Child [2003], 07 'Conclusions')

Book Reference

Gelman,Susan A.: 'The Essential Child' [OUP 2005], p.175


A Reaction

This is a psychologist who specialises in this topic. If you think essentialism is inculcated by a our culture, you will have to blame the fathers.