Definition of paternalism
1 : a system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals as well as in their relations to authority and to each other the empire's paternalism in regard to its colonies
2 : a policy or practice based on or characteristic of paternalism
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15th Century
First Known Use of paternalism
15th century
Other Sociology Terms
PATERNALISM Defined for English Language Learners
paternalism
playDefinition of paternalism for English Language Learners
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: the attitude or actions of a person, organization, etc., that protects people and gives them what they need but does not give them any responsibility or freedom of choice
Learn More about paternalism
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See words that rhyme with paternalism Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paternalism
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