infantilization
/ɪnˌfæntɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The act or process of treating someone as if they are a child, often by limiting their responsibility or independence.
- The infantilization of adults in the workplace can make them feel less capable.
- Some critics argue that helicopter parenting leads to the infantilization of children well into their college years.
- The company's strict rules resulted in the infantilization of its employees, who were not trusted to make simple decisions.