Nesting Paternalism. Patterns of the Paternalistic Behaviour from Neolithization and the Modern Age

Abstract

Paternalism can appear with other forms of social actions toward others and ourselves, a set of activities we comprehend as a part of paternalistic behaviour. We question the hypothesis that some social groups value benefits provided by leading authorities more than their autonomy. Resulting historical and sociological findings are supposed to inform the philosophical discussion on paternalism by broadening the topic’s scope. Firstly, we compared archaeological remains from the Early Neolithic (9700-6250 years B.C.), characterized by the appearance of prominent leaders with qualities of modern paternalistic leadership. They both indicate behaviour accompanied by a family atmosphere in the workplace. Our second data set was obtained through sociological research conducted from the Enquete on the Serbian national sample. A diachronic perspective revealed similar relations between leaders and subordinates. Certain groups with narrowed decision-making autonomy begin to think paternalistically, even though there is a fine line between paternalism, protectionism, and authoritarianism. The main differences between paternalism and other related concepts (authoritarianism, protectionism, collectivism) are the grade and type of subjects’ consent about the action for their good. Stronger collectivistic and authoritarian attitudes enable nesting paternalism, i.e., gradual acceptance of the paternalistic culture. In this process, an individual sacrifices autonomy for social benefits and integration into the cultural milieu. Nesting paternalism parallels the “nesting dolls.” It denotes collateral patronizing behaviors enclosed in another, such as paternalism, protectionism, and authoritarianism. One of the main derivates of such paternalism is anti-paternalism, which consists of patronizing acts to prevent paternalism.