Paternalism and individualism Essay Example for Free

Paternalism and individualism Essay Paternalism is a Latin word, which is emanates from the Latin word â€Å"pater† meaning father. Therefore it refers to the patriarchy arrangement pattern that a is depicted in a family where there is figurehead who most times is the father who takes the sole responsibility of making decisions on behalf of others who includes the wife and children. The decisions are made by the figurehead for â€Å"the good† of the wife and children regardless of their desires. (Sartorius, R 145) The father head in this situation is regarded the wisest and the decision he makes is made to the best interest of the rest whom he assumes the role of protector. The term is normally applied in a derogatory way especially in political and social systems to imply that the system is characterized by the deprivation of other peoples’ individual freedoms and responsibility and serves the interest of that particular system without due regard to the individuals being governed. (Sartorius, R 153) By definition therefore paternalism is defined as â€Å"Paternalism is the interference of a state or an individual with another person, against their will, and justified by a claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm. †(Gerald Dworkin). Individualism as a term on the other hand is always used to describe independence of an individual. The individual in this case is at liberty to conduct his/her own life in a way that best suits him/her provided it does not interfere with someone else’s life. Individualism stresses the need for self-reliance and opposes any form of external interference whether by society the state or any governing authority. .†(Gerald Dworkin). Individualism in most cases is opposed to any form of communal, societal, group system that advocates for the prioritization of national goals instead of individual goals. Paternalism was very important to Britain in the 18th century when the Britain constitutional changed for two fundamental reasons. These was because the government thought it was its first responsibility to make sure that everyone was protected against the interests of the state. The community was to become the only way by which individuals would realize their potential and advance it. The labor party was formed to protect the citizens against anything that would frustrate their potential. Bill of rights was formed to protect the citizens from any abuse of power by any public institution that touches their lives. (Feinberg, J 47) Through paternalism implementation of freedom of information act was created to better communication between the government and the right for citizens to know what’s happening around the government. During the 18th century individual’s freedom had guaranteed them security, with the state giving them health care, education and their well being advanced when the state delivered entitlement for the individuals, but later the state and community became one thing and the individuals saw themselves less as passive beneficiaries of the benefits of the government. (Feinberg, J 49) Later the individuals had less freedom and were not recognized as part of the community. Paternalism brought together the citizens while the individuals always wanted the best for themselves. They always thought about themselves and not the society. (Gerald Dworkin) Paternalism was also important because it ensured the individual needs are protected against the state. It was everyone’s burden to ensure that the government’s responsibilities are accounted for. Socialists were recognized in the society and became watchdogs for the individuals who would become hostile to any change or kind of reform. Paternalism was very important as it provided healthcare, security and development of individuals. No matter how rich the individual were some problems always required the attention of the community. A common interest for all was always required and especially public interest for community not for individuals. Paternalism brought about concern for everyone even beyond the immediate family members and was always responsible for the society’s values. Paternalism in Britain, came into sharp focus during the period of the industrial revolution when individuals discarded the old agrarian ways and started adopting the urban culture where the â€Å"survival was for the fittest† (Sartorius, R 156)