paternalism

[puh-tur-nl-iz-uhm]

noun

1. the system, principle, or practice of managing or governing individuals, businesses, nations, etc., in an outwardly benevolent, but often condescending or controlling way.

   The employees objected to the paternalism of their former boss.

paternalism

/ pəˈtɜːnəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the attitude or policy of a government or other authority that manages the affairs of a country, company, community, etc, in the manner of a father, esp in usurping individual responsibility and the liberty of choice

Other Word Forms

• paternalistically adverb
• paternalist noun
• paternalistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternalism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; paternal + -ism

Example Sentences

“We had to fight misogyny, paternalism, bureaucracy, and other significant barriers to be taken seriously,” Xenarios and Anderson later wrote.

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There’s a certain presumption and paternalism to the notion that California Democrats know what’s best for California Republicans.

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I would say it's paternalism, the idea that the leaders know what's best for everyone else and therefore can act for everyone else, and the idea of being a chosen people, of exceptionalism.

Read more on Salon

Black American liberals rejected the elements of feudalism they recognized in racial prejudice, paternalism and patriarchy.

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For the Beninese government, it’s a victory they can peddle to gain the people’s favor, while France can mine it as an image-boosting tactic that comes with tacit paternalism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times