Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Showing maternal instincts: Describes behavior, attitudes, or policies that are characteristic of a mother, especially in being protective, nurturing, and caring, often in a way that is seen as controlling or overly benevolent.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company's maternalistic policies included on-site childcare and extended parental leave.
  • His maternalistic attitude towards his younger colleagues was both appreciated and sometimes resented.
  • The government was accused of a maternalistic approach, treating citizens as if they needed constant guidance.

Advanced Usage

• In a sociological/political context: Often used to critique systems or authorities that exercise control under the guise of care and protection.
  • The critique focused on the maternalistic welfare state, which was seen as undermining individual autonomy.

Variants and Related Words

• Maternal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a mother.
  • She has a strong maternal bond with her children.
• Maternalism (n): The quality or practice of being maternalistic; a policy or system based on this.
  • The era was marked by a culture of maternalism in social work.

Synonyms

• Motherly: Having the qualities of a mother; warm, protective, and nurturing.
• Protective: Aiming to preserve or guard someone from harm.
• Paternalistic (Note: This is a related but distinct term, specifically implying a father-like, often authoritarian, control.)

Antonyms

• Hands-off: Not involving oneself in the affairs of others; non-interfering.
• Autonomy-respecting: Showing respect for an individual's right to self-governance.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• In a maternalistic vein/manner: Behaving or operating in a way that shows maternalistic traits.
  • The manager operated in a maternalistic manner, always checking on her team's personal well-being.

Adjective

1. showing maternal instincts