The shifting sands of meaning.

I wrote two Kindle ebooks this year. The digital format allowed me to create weblinks to the words and concepts to make clear my intended use of them. Too many words have been culturally hijacked.

Words can be hijacked. Literally.

I asked ChatGPT (BingCHAT) to help me understand the idea of paternalism and how it relates to my preconceived notion of what it means to be paternal. This picture shown of of me and my daughters at the cottage circa 1992.

Paternal

The term ‘paternal’ is an adjective that refers to something that is of or appropriate to a father, showing a kindness and care associated with a father, or related through the father1. It can be used to describe a fatherly or protective attitude or behavior. For example, one might say “he reasserted his paternal authority” or “my elders in the newsroom kept a paternal eye on me” 1.

The word ‘paternal’ is derived from the Latin word ‘paternus’, which means ‘fatherly’ or 'belonging to a father’2. It has been used in the English language since the late Middle English period2.

Paternalism

Paternalism is a noun that refers to “the policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in the subordinates’ supposed best interest” 1. It can be characterized by an authority figure’s control over the conduct and needs of those under their influence, both as individuals and in their relationship with authority and each other 2. An example of paternalism is the arrogance and paternalism that underlies cradle-to-grave employment contracts 1.

Paternalistic

The adjective paternalistic is used to describe something that is relating to or characterized by the restriction of the freedom and responsibilities of subordinates or dependents in their supposed interest1. It is often used to describe a situation where people in authority make decisions for others instead of allowing them to take responsibility for their own lives2. For example, the paternalistic attitude of colonial Victorians or an old-style, paternalistic employer1.

Paternalistic in feminism

In the context of feminism, the term ‘paternalistic’ is used to describe situations where men or people in positions of power make decisions for women or other marginalized groups, instead of allowing them to make their own choices and take responsibility for their own lives1. It can refer to actions or policies that are intended to be helpful or protective but can be seen as patronizing or restrictive1. For example, some critics argue that certain laws or policies that claim to protect women’s rights can be paternalistic if they limit women’s autonomy or treat them as incapable of making their own decisions2.

However, it’s important to note that the term ‘paternalistic’ can have different interpretations and meanings depending on the specific context and perspective of the individuals or groups involved. Some feminists may use the term to critique certain attitudes or behaviors they perceive as undermining women’s agency, while others may use it to describe efforts to address gender inequalities and promote social change1.

Paternalistic, as used in politics.

Paternalistic conservatism is a strand of conservatism that emphasizes the belief that societies exist and develop organically, with members having obligations towards each other¹. It reflects the concept of noblesse oblige, where those who are privileged and wealthy have a paternalistic obligation to the poorer parts of society¹. Paternalistic conservatives support broad state interventionism to cultivate a good life for all citizens¹. They envision the government as a benevolent paternal figure setting goals, ensuring fair play and equal opportunity, and providing a social safety net to deal with poverty and redistribute wealth¹. However, they do not support anything resembling a command economy¹. Paternalistic conservatism arose during the 19th century in response to the social unrest, appalling working conditions, and inequality caused by the industrial revolution¹.

The term ‘paternalism’ in politics generally refers to a system or attitude that involves an authority undertaking to supply needs, or regulate the conduct, of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals and in their relations to authority and to each other⁴. It often involves competing claims between individual liberty and authoritative social control². Paternalism can include both the claims of individual rights and social protections, as well as the legal and socially legitimated means of satisfying those claims².

For more information on paternalistic conservatism, you can refer to the following sources:

- [Wikipedia](^1^)

- [Britannica](^2^)

- [Cambridge Core](^3^)

- [Merriam-Webster](^4^)

Please note that the definition and usage of the term 'paternalistic' in politics can vary depending on the specific context and perspective of the individuals or groups involved.

Paternalism in Canadian politics

As a Canadian, I consider the federal Liberal, NDP, Green and Bloc Quebecois parties to be more “paternalistic” than the Conservatives. The Peoples Party of Canada under Maxime Bernier is the least paternalistic of the major parties. Libertarians are most likely to reverse the excessively paternalistic manifestations of all public institutions.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-09-24

(1) Paternalistic conservatism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paternalistic_conservatism.

(2) Paternalism Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternalism.

(3) Paternalism | Social Science, Power Dynamics & Morality. https://www.britannica.com/topic/paternalism.

(4) Paternalistic conservatism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paternalistic_conservatism.

(5) Paternalism | Social Science, Power Dynamics & Morality. https://www.britannica.com/topic/paternalism.

(6) Paternalism and Public Policy | Economics & Philosophy | Cambridge Core. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/economics-and-philosophy/article/abs/paternalism-and-public-policy/7D260917F44272C5D5FC7C4E6552BC23.

(7) Paternalism Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternalism.