paternalism

the policy or practice on the part of people in authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to or otherwise dependent on them in their supposed interest.

Thank you! I didn't know this meaning of the term. I always heard it as being used to describe a male dominated culture.

Maybe you're thinking of 'patriarchy'?

The entire relationship between an advisor and the the candidate is paternalistic, the advisor holds so much control over the student’s future. I’m glad I quit in hindsight.