Terminology

• Essentialism is a belief that any specific entity has a set of characteristics which makes it what it is and is necessary to its identity and function; essence is prior to existence.
• Dichotomy: a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
• Universalising is the practice of giving a universal character or application to something abstract.
• The term 'genderlect' was coined by Deborah Tannen to describe the differences in male and female communication.