Paternalism

/pəˈtɜːrnəlɪzəm/

noun

A system where people in authority control others for their own good, like a father does for his children.

In the past, some countries practiced colonial paternalism, making decisions for their colonies as if they were incapable of self-governance.

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 3

Pro Tip 1/3

Paternalism often suggests the higher power is superior, which can sound patronizing.

The program's paternalism assumed locals couldn't manage without external help.

Pro Tip 2/3

Using 'paternalism' implies trust in the authority, as a child trusts a parent.

She defended the law's paternalism, trusting the government's judgment.

Pro Tip 3/3

'Paternalism' is often used to critique historical governance, implying outdated methods.

Critics dismiss the policies as remnants of nineteenth-century paternalism.

authoritarianautocracycontroldictatorshipdominatormasteryoppressiontotalitarianism

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