Paternalism: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
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paternalism

 

[ pษ™หˆtษœrnษ™lษชzษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social policy

Paternalism is a practice or policy of managing or governing individuals or groups in a manner analogous to that of a father guiding his children. In this concept, authorities assume they know what is best for those they are overseeing, often without consulting them. Paternalism can be seen in various sectors, such as healthcare, where professionals may make decisions for patients, or in government, where policies might be implemented with the justification of protecting citizens. Critics argue that this approach can undermine individual autonomy and personal freedom.

Synonyms

authoritarianism, guardianism, overprotectiveness

Examples of usage

  • The government's paternalism in healthcare decisions has sparked a debate.
  • Many believe that paternalism in education can limit student independence.
  • Critics of paternalism argue it disregards individual rights.

Translations

Translations of the word "paternalism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น paternalismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฟเคคเฅƒเคธเคคเฅเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Paternalismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ paternalistik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐั‚ั€ั–ะฐั€ั…ะฐั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ paternalizm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ˆถๆจฉไธป็พฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท paternalisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ paternalismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท babacanlฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€๊ถŒ์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฃุจูˆูŠู‘ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ paternalismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ paternalizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ˆถๆƒไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ paternalizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ feรฐraveld

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำ™ะบะตะปั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒขแƒ แƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒฅแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ atalฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ paternalismo

Word origin

The term 'paternalism' originates from the Latin word 'pater', meaning 'father'. The concept has evolved over time, beginning in the 19th century as it started to be used in social and political discourse. Initially, it was associated with the idea of a benevolent authority figure caring for those who are weaker or less capable. This paternalistic approach can be traced back to various philosophical ideologies, including those of John Stuart Mill and his reflections on personal liberty and authority. Throughout history, paternalism has been a point of discussion in contexts like colonialism, where it justified the control of one group over another with the premise of providing guidance and protection. Over time, as societies have progressed, the implications of paternalism have come under scrutiny, leading to discussions about the balance between authority and individual rights.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,778, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.