Paternalism
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.
Often appears as...
- benevolent paternalism
- social paternalism
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The belief or action of handling issues by limiting freedom and responsibilities in favor of providing care and protection.
Despite being grown up, his parents continue their paternalism, controlling every aspect of his life.
Often appears as...
- cultural paternalism
- educational paternalism
noun
In economics, a policy by governments or large organizations to regulate markets in the interest of consumers and employees.
Some argue that government’s regulation of tobacco and alcohol shows a degree of economic paternalism.
Often appears as...
- economic paternalism
- corporate paternalism
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
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.
Often appears as...
- benevolent paternalism
- social paternalism
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The belief or action of handling issues by limiting freedom and responsibilities in favor of providing care and protection.
Despite being grown up, his parents continue their paternalism, controlling every aspect of his life.
Often appears as...
- cultural paternalism
- educational paternalism
noun
In economics, a policy by governments or large organizations to regulate markets in the interest of consumers and employees.
Some argue that government’s regulation of tobacco and alcohol shows a degree of economic paternalism.
Often appears as...
- economic paternalism
- corporate paternalism
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Patronizing Tone
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 2/3Implicit Trust
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 3/3Historical Usage
'Paternalism' is often used to critique historical governance, implying outdated methods.
Critics dismiss the policies as remnants of nineteenth-century paternalism.
Pro Tip 1/3Patronizing Tone
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 2/3Implicit Trust
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 3/3Historical Usage
'Paternalism' is often used to critique historical governance, implying outdated methods.
Critics dismiss the policies as remnants of nineteenth-century paternalism.
Pro Tip 1/3Patronizing Tone
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 2/3Implicit Trust
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 3/3Historical Usage
'Paternalism' is often used to critique historical governance, implying outdated methods.
Critics dismiss the policies as remnants of nineteenth-century paternalism.
Compare with
authoritarianautocracycontroldictatorshipdominatormasteryoppressiontotalitarianism
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Video examples
Dignity isn't a...
He said he didn't like to be forced to do something he wanted to do voluntarily. That was rank paternalism of course and maybe even a tiny bit of BS. He wasn't an angel, and everyone wasn't well and fairly treated across the company, something that's well-known.
Video examples
Dignity isn't a...
He said he didn't like to be forced to do something he wanted to do voluntarily. That was rank paternalism of course and maybe even a tiny bit of BS. He wasn't an angel, and everyone wasn't well and fairly treated across the company, something that's well-known.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Dave deBronkart
American Writer
The baby boomer surge is forcing society to face decisions about costs - and particularly what is valuable. It's senseless for clinicians and governments to bear these choices alone; a sad effect of needless paternalism is that it places a false burden on responsible people.
Quote examples
Jim Norton
American Comedian
A lot of racism is paternalism. A lot of people hide their own racism because they treat blacks, minorities and other groups like children because deep down they feel superior and better than these people. And they don't feel like they should just treat a guy like a guy.
Quote examples
Esther Duflo
French Economist
Paternalism is everywhere in our lives. We have to immunise our children unless we are upset about it. In India, it is the opposite. It is possible to get your kids immunised, but you really have to want to.
Quote examples
Cass Sunstein
American Lawyer
Many Americans abhor paternalism. They think that people should be able to go their own way, even if they end up in a ditch. When they run risks, even foolish ones, it isn't anybody's business that they do.
Quote examples
Nick Denton
British Journalist
I have to come to terms with the paternalism of American business. Companies are expected to take on so many social responsibilities which are the province of the state in Europe.
Quote examples
Martin Winterkorn
German Businessman
I clearly say yes to Big Data, yes to greater security and convenience, but no to paternalism and Big Brother.
Quote examples
Jacob Weisberg
American Journalist
Paternalism is the method of government activism most amenable to an impoverished public sector.
Quote examples
Claire Fox
British Writer
The paternalism of the Conservative party is breathtaking.
Quote examples
Anne Wojcicki
American Scientist
The paternalism of the medical industry is insane.
Quote examples
Dave deBronkart
American Writer
The baby boomer surge is forcing society to face decisions about costs - and particularly what is valuable. It's senseless for clinicians and governments to bear these choices alone; a sad effect of needless paternalism is that it places a false burden on responsible people.
Quote examples
Jim Norton
American Comedian
A lot of racism is paternalism. A lot of people hide their own racism because they treat blacks, minorities and other groups like children because deep down they feel superior and better than these people. And they don't feel like they should just treat a guy like a guy.
Quote examples
Esther Duflo
French Economist
Paternalism is everywhere in our lives. We have to immunise our children unless we are upset about it. In India, it is the opposite. It is possible to get your kids immunised, but you really have to want to.
Quote examples
Cass Sunstein
American Lawyer
Many Americans abhor paternalism. They think that people should be able to go their own way, even if they end up in a ditch. When they run risks, even foolish ones, it isn't anybody's business that they do.
Quote examples
Nick Denton
British Journalist
I have to come to terms with the paternalism of American business. Companies are expected to take on so many social responsibilities which are the province of the state in Europe.
Quote examples
Martin Winterkorn
German Businessman
I clearly say yes to Big Data, yes to greater security and convenience, but no to paternalism and Big Brother.
Quote examples
Jacob Weisberg
American Journalist
Paternalism is the method of government activism most amenable to an impoverished public sector.
Quote examples
Claire Fox
British Writer
The paternalism of the Conservative party is breathtaking.
Quote examples
Anne Wojcicki
American Scientist
The paternalism of the medical industry is insane.
Example 1 of 9
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