[uh-sen-shuh-liz-uh
m] 
| a doctrine that certain traditional concepts, ideals, and skills are essential to society and should be taught methodically to all students, regardless of individual ability, need, etc. |
| es·sen·tial·ism (ĭ-sěn'shə-lĭz'əm) n. The metaphysical theory that the essential properties of an object can be distinguished from those that are accidental to it. |