Which term refers to governing people in a fatherly way, often supplying their needs?

• A. Paternalism
• B. Social Stratification
• C. Ascribed Group Membership
• D. Power Distance

Answer: (A)

Paternalism describes governing people in a fatherly way, often supplying their needs, with the belief that those in authority know what’s best and should guide or make decisions for others to protect their welfare. This fits the description because the focus is on benevolent control and providing for people, sometimes at the expense of their individual autonomy.

Social stratification is about how society is divided into layers or classes, not a leadership style. Ascribed group membership refers to identities someone inherits, such as ethnicity or caste, rather than a method of governance. Power distance looks at how a culture handles unequal power, not a specific approach to governing people directly.