Paternalism (Labor) Law and Legal Definition
Paternalism, in labor law refers to a situation when a company considers itself the father of its employees and take responsibility of regulating their lives by providing company houses, stores, hospitals, theaters, sports programs, churches, publications, and codes of behavior on and off the job. Paternalism was common in public employment. In early days, teachers were not permitted to marry, keep company with men, travel beyond the city limits, smoke, dress in bright colors, or wear skirts shorter than two inches above the ankles. All these provisions and restrictions are part of employer’s paternalism.
