The words patriarchy and paternalism are often confused with each other due to the way they sound. The correlation between patriarchy and paternalism when put to use in practice. Although patriarchy and paternalism are historically perceived as outdated and restrictive, the basic meanings and usage of the words vary widely.
Patriarchy vs Paternalism
The main difference between patriarchy and paternalism is that patriarchy refers to the societal or governmental system predominantly ruled over by the male gender. This can occur either inside a family or externally. On the other hand, paternalism refers to a situation where the people in power refuse to part with it, restricting the freedom of their subordinates.
Patriarchy is the ancient system of society and government in which decision-making and control are given over to the elder male members of the family. A highly backward concept, patriarchy is increasingly being recognized as an incorrect way of life. The women affiliated with these members are usually powerless and excluded from making any choices.
In the context of organizations and institutes, paternalism refers to a concept where leaders restrict the freedom of their subordinates, curtailing their responsibilities, making them dependent on their superiors. Paternalism is often practiced against the will of the subordinates. Paternalism is another unpopular practice that ultimately benefits no one despite the name.
Comparison Table Between Patriarchy and Paternalism
| Parameters of Comparison | Patriarchy | Paternalism |
| Definition | Patriarchy is a social or a government system that allows the male members in the institution to hold power. | Paternalism is the policy of restricting those under you by those in power. |
| Gender Constraints | Men hold power. The decision-making process excludes women. | Paternalism is not exclusive to any gender. |
| Government | In a political environment, patriarchy refers to the refusal of women to participate in matters of government. | This could refer to the leader of a party or superior officer refusing to allow responsibilities handed to their subordinates. |
| Etymology | Patriarchy means the rule of the father. | It is derived from the word paternal, which refers to a fatherly treatment. |
| Office | Patriarchy in a work environment can be filed under gender discrimination. | A paternalistic approach in a workplace is called a dictatorship style of management. |
What is Patriarchy?
Patriarchy is one of those things that everyone has experienced at least once. Despite the many revolutionary changes that have hit humanity, Eve still takes the blame for Adam eating the apple.
The patriarchy is the structure of a social or governmental organization in which all power and authority are held by male members, regardless of whether they are personal members or members of the institution. This doctrine dictates that men have all the power and are allowed to pull the strings.
Women are excluded from making decisions, expressing opinions, and obtaining equal rights.
Men have supreme power in this male-dominated patriarchal society. They can predominate in politics, leadership, social privilege, and other roles. Patriarchy has been around for a long time, with unequal power relations between men and women being a historical and current issue.
Not only are the women denied freedom, but they are also denied their basic rights such as education, ownership of property, etc. They are, therefore, disadvantaged and suppressed. This leads to a large disparity in the share of men and women in several fields.
In patriarchal families, the father or eldest male member has the authority to make social, moral, and economic decisions. Women are expected to be docile, submissive, and obedient.
What is Paternalism?
As the name suggests, paternalism refers to the system whereby the power held over subordinates restricts their freedom and denies their responsibilities. Paternalism asserts that these restrictions are for the benefit of those below the superiors.
Under a paternalistic system, those in power undertake to take care of the needs of the subordinates and regulate their conduct. However, paternalism can be more accurately described as the interference of an individual in another person’s interests against their will. This is done by claiming that they are motivated or wish to defend the less powerful from potential danger.
Paternalism is increasingly being perceived as a power play that only offers a one-way advantage.
Paternalism can be categorized or identified when conflicting claims between individual liberty and authoritative social control. This distinction can set paternalism apart from specific control administered by superiors in a general situation.
However, there are several types of paternalism that can be executed to different degrees. It is usually categorized as soft, hard, pure, and impure paternalism.
Paternalism can also be used judiciously. For example, governmental rules that enforce people to follow certain rules, such as wearing seatbelts or punishing those driving a motorcycle without a helmet, can be considered a positive display of paternalism.
Main Differences Between Patriarchy and Paternalism
- While patriarchy refers to a social or government system that doesn’t allow equal participation of women, paternalism refers to the restriction of subordinates by the people in power.
- Patriarchy is aimed at restricting freedom and encouraging power to rest with men. However, paternalism is not directed towards a particular gender.
- While patriarchy stands for the rule of the father, paternalism is derived from the adjective paternal, standing for a fatherly approach to work.
- Complaints can be filed against gender discrimination if patriarchy is found to be practiced in offices and business organizations. The autocratic or dictatorship style of management follows a paternalistic approach to the workplace.
- The concept of patriarchy denies women power, control, decision-making, property, making them suppressed. Paternalism aims to limit the individual’s freedom and regulate the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Conclusion
Both patriarchy and paternalism are interrelated concepts that are substituted for one another in our everyday lives.
While patriarchy is more commonly found in a societal context where the female members of a household are suppressed. This is due to their male counterparts holding the authority in making economic, social, and moral decisions.
Paternalism is more commonly observed in political and official forums. As a result, the superior refuses to relinquish their power and instead restricts the subordinate’s freedom. In addition, they try to regulate their responsibilities while claiming to be concerned for the welfare of the subordinate.
References
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0038038589023002005
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/0-387-28662-4_20