paternalism (redirected from paternalists)

pa·ter·nal·ism  (p-tûrn-lzm)

n.

A policy or practice of treating or governing people in a fatherly manner, especially by providing for their needs without giving them rights or responsibilities.

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pa·ternal·ist adj. & n.

pa·ternal·istic adj.

pa·ternal·isti·cal·ly adv.

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paternalism

Noun

authority exercised in a way that limits individual responsibility [Latin pater father]

paternalistic adj

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paternalism

fatherlike control over subordinates in government. — paternalist, n. — paternalistic, adj.

See also: Government

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fatherlike control over subordinates or employees in business. — paternalist, n. — paternalistic, adj.

See also: Trade

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

paternalism - the attitude (of a person or a government) that subordinates should be controlled in a fatherly way for their own good governing, government activity, government, governance, administration - the act of governing; exercising authority; "regulations for the governing of state prisons"; "he had considerable experience of government" attitude, mental attitude - a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways; "he had the attitude that work was fun"