Paternalism

by Adina Lopatin

Paternalism is a common attitude among well-meaning social reformers. Stemming from the root pater, or father, paternalism implies a patriarchal, benevolent but superior sensibility. Paternalistic social reformers feel a social responsibility and believe that they should "uplift" those beneath them, but also see those they help as inferior, or childlike, in some way. Paternalistic industrialists assume that they have a responsibility to those areas where they place their factories. Industrialist and social reformer Robert Owen built the mill town of New Lanark, where he created relatively high quality schools and housing for his workers. Owen's idea that the industrialist was responsible for his workers set an example for all socially conscious businessmen.