paternalism

American  

[puh-tur-nl-iz-uhm] / pəˈtɜr nlˌɪz əm /

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.

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paternalism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• paternalist noun
• paternalistic adjective
• paternalistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paternalism

First recorded in 1880–85; paternal + -ism

Example Sentences

Cooper said there is a need for "partnership not paternalism", with the UK seeking to be "an investor not just a donor" to help other countries "attract finance, not be dependent on aid".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

"The decision to end life must rest with the patient," he argued, adding that medical paternalism long ago took a back seat in Canada.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

A legacy of paternalism has characterized our approach to addiction treatment in the U.S.

From Slate • Dec. 19, 2025

He calls this insistence “choice-requiring paternalism,” a phrase meant to throw the charge of paternalism back at the libertarians.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

For many African American voters, the Populist approach was preferable to the paternalism of liberals.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander