Permissive

Permissive, in its core meaning, describes an attitude or policy that allows or encourages a great deal of freedom, especially in relation to behavior or discipline. It implies a leniency and lack of strictness in controlling or regulating actions, rules, or expectations. This can apply to various contexts, including parenting, education, law, and societal norms. It often involves an acceptance or tolerance of actions or choices that might be considered unconventional or even inappropriate in more restrictive environments. The degree of permissiveness varies greatly, ranging from mild tolerance to a complete lack of restraint. Often, the impact of such a lenient approach is determined by factors like the age of the people involved, the context of the action, and the expectations that are laid out.

Permissive meaning with examples

• The permissive parenting style, while allowing for freedom, sometimes failed to instill crucial discipline and responsibility, leading to children struggling with boundaries and self-control later in life. This approach lacked the necessary guidance needed for a child's development.
• In a permissive society, there may be a broad acceptance of diverse lifestyles and social practices, which sometimes results in a decline in traditional norms or restrictions on activities such as consumption of drugs.
• The school's permissive approach to student expression, allowing for a wide range of artistic and personal interpretations, fostered creativity but sometimes lacked the necessary discipline. The teacher's freedom meant students could freely express themselves.
• Despite initial support, the government's permissive laws regarding online content inadvertently led to a proliferation of harmful content, requiring a reassessment and adjustments to protect public safety and child welfare.
• A permissive attitude towards workplace tardiness, although well-intentioned to encourage employees, often undermined productivity. While there's freedom in such an environment, it's often exploited.