1. the practice of treating people in a motherly way, especially by being overly protective or controlling
2. a policy or attitude that emphasizes the role of women as mothers and caregivers
Usage: political science; sociology

Examples

• The supervisor’s maternalism made employees feel infantilized rather than supported.
• Critics argued that the welfare policy reflected outdated maternalism.
• Her maternalism toward new staff members sometimes hindered their professional growth.
• The organization’s maternalism was evident in its focus on family-friendly benefits.
• Some viewed the government’s approach as benevolent maternalism.
• The teacher’s maternalism created a nurturing but overly dependent classroom environment.