What is "maternalism"

n. the treatment of people in a motherly manner, especially by caring for them as a mother would care for her children.

1. n. the quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth and affection of or befitting a mother; "the girl's motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the children" [syn: motherliness, maternal quality, maternity]

2. motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children

Maternalism is the theoretical viewpoint that incorporates a common idea of femininity and applies it as a support for women’s involvement in society.