indoctrination
/in,dɔktri'neiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, without questioning them. This often involves systematic instruction aimed at instilling specific doctrines, ideologies, or principles, sometimes to the exclusion of other viewpoints.
Usage
- Indoctrination typically refers to a method of instruction that discourages critical thinking and independent analysis. It is often used in contexts involving political ideologies, religious beliefs, or military training.
- It describes a process, not a single event. The result is an indoctrinated person or group.
Examples
- The regime used propaganda and indoctrination in schools to control the population's beliefs.
- Some critics argue that the training program was less about education and more about indoctrination.
- Breaking free from years of political indoctrination was a difficult process for him.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural/Societal Indoctrination: Refers to the often-unseen process by which societal norms and values are transmitted and internalized from a young age.
- She wrote a paper on the cultural indoctrination of gender roles.
- As a Countable Noun (Less Common): While usually uncountable, it can sometimes be used in the plural to refer to specific instances or types of teachings.
- The various political indoctrinations of the 20th century had profound effects.
Variants and Related Words
- Indoctrinate (verb): To teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
- The leader sought to indoctrinate his followers.
- Indoctrinated (adjective): Describing someone who has undergone this process.
- The indoctrinated soldiers showed unwavering loyalty.
Synonyms
- Brainwashing: Often implies a more intense, coercive, and manipulative process of indoctrination.
- Inculcation: The instilling of an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction. This can be neutral or negative.
- Propaganda: The systematic dissemination of information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. Propaganda is often a tool of indoctrination.
Antonyms
- Education: Implies a process aimed at developing critical thinking, knowledge, and understanding.
- Enlightenment: The act of informing or providing intellectual or spiritual insight.
- Independent thought: Thinking for oneself without undue influence.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group. Indoctrination is the process of teaching a doctrine.
- Ideological training: A phrase often used synonymously with indoctrination, especially in political contexts.
- To be subjected to indoctrination: A common collocation describing the experience of undergoing this process.
Noun
- teaching someone to accept doctrines uncritically