Paternalism refers usually to an attitude or a policy reminiscent of the hierarchic pattern of a family based on patriarchy, that's, there's a figurehead (the father, pater in Latin) that makes decisions on behalf of others (the "wife" and "children") for their own good, even if this's contrary to their wishes. It's implied that the fatherly figure's wiser than and acts in the best interest of its protected figures. The term may be used derogatorily to characterize attitudes or political system… (More on Paternalistic)