maternalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “maternalize” mean?
To make something or someone more motherly or maternal in character.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something or someone more motherly or maternal in character; to instill maternal qualities.
In sociological or psychological contexts, to promote or enforce traditional maternal roles, responsibilities, or behaviors, often within social structures or policies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies a conscious process of imposing or encouraging maternal characteristics, often with an analytical or critical perspective on gender roles.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Slightly more likely to be encountered in American academic texts due to the volume of sociological literature.
Grammar
How to Use “maternalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] maternalizes [Object] (e.g., The policy maternalizes women).[Subject] is maternalized by [Agent] (passive).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maternalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some argue that certain family benefits maternalise women by incentivising stay-at-home motherhood.
- The rhetoric seemed designed to maternalise the entire profession of nursing.
American English
- Critics claim the legislation attempts to maternalize low-income women through its provisions.
- The company's old-fashioned culture tended to maternalize female employees.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in critical analysis of gender, family, or social policy. Example: 'The welfare system has been accused of seeking to maternalize single mothers.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a specific term in sociological or gender studies literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maternalize”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maternalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maternalize”
- Confusing it with 'materialize' (to appear or become real).
- Using it in casual conversation where 'act like a mother' or 'be motherly' is intended.
- Incorrectly forming the noun as 'maternalization' (correct) vs. 'maternalizement' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word used almost exclusively in formal academic writing, particularly in sociology and gender studies.
Typically, no. In its standard academic use, it carries a neutral or critical analytical tone, describing a process of imposing roles rather than a positive act of nurturing.
The standard derived noun is 'maternalization' (e.g., 'the maternalization of poverty').
'To mother' means to care for in a motherly way (a direct action). 'To maternalize' is a sociological term meaning to *make* someone or something take on maternal qualities or roles, often as part of a systemic process.
To make something or someone more motherly or maternal in character.
Maternalize is usually formal/academic in register.
Maternalize: in British English it is pronounced /məˈtɜː.nə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtɝː.nə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MATERNAL' (motherly) + 'IZE' (to make into). To 'maternalize' is to 'make something maternal'.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER ROLES ARE CONSTRUCTS (The verb implies an active process of constructing or imposing the 'mother' role).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'maternalize' MOST appropriately used?