Question

In what way was the South a paternalistic society during the days of slavery?

A.White men followed pursuits such as horseback riding, while white women followed “ladylike” pursuits such as sewing.
B.by using slave labor, plantation owners freed their own children from having to work in the farm fields.
C.Slaveholders believed they helped enslaved people by providing food, shelter, and clothing while relieving them of responsibility.
D.White Southerners who did not have enslaved workers found they were often treated like children by those who did.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C.Slaveholders believed they helped enslaved people by providing food, shelter, and clothing while relieving them of responsibility.

A paternalistic society refers to a society in which men are seen as the provider for the family. This idea is extremely prevalent throughout American history, as men are supposed to generate income or resources that will help to take care of their family.

This sense of providing for people also applied to the institution of slavery. Slave owners felt that they were fulfilling their patriarchal duties by providing their slaves with resources needed to survive (i.e. food, shelter, water).