paternalism (pseudogeneric)

parentalism, authoritarian parentalism, authoritarianism, protectionism, political intrusion/intervention, benevolent despotism. "Paternalism" is entrenched in certain academic, philosophic, and political circles, and is difficult (but not impossible) to replace with a commonly recognized one-word term. The concept of paternalism resonates negatively with many women and minorities; paternalistic societies, laws, churches, and husbands have been a fact of life throughout history. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan said, "Our nation has had a long and unfortunate history of sex discrimination ... rationalized by an attitude of 'romantic paternalism' which, in practical effect, put women not on a pedestal, but in a cage." See also chivalry.