Which of the following examples best represents paternalism in macro social work practice?

The correct choice illustrates paternalism in macro social work practice by highlighting a scenario where practitioners make decisions on behalf of others, believing it to be in their best interest. In this case, deliberately withholding information from community residents reflects a mindset that assumes professionals know better than the community members themselves what is good for them. This undermines the agency and autonomy of individuals, as it prevents them from making informed decisions about their own lives.

Paternalism often manifests in social work when there is a belief that the needs and welfare of individuals or communities can be better served through top-down decision-making, rather than engaging them collaboratively in the process. This can lead to a disempowerment of the community, as residents are denied access to important information that affects their lives and their capacity to participate in decision-making processes that impact their future.

In contrast, the other options focus on empowering individuals and communities. Providing educational workshops for community leaders and engaging constituents in policy-making encourage participation and collaboration, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. Offering guidance on resource allocation suggests a supportive role rather than a controlling one, enabling communities to make informed choices based on their own needs. Thus, these actions are more aligned with principles of empowerment and partnership in