Indoctrination

[Page 387]Indoctrination is the imposition of a system of values, beliefs, or “doctrine” on another (or others) that does not tolerate critical reflection or questioning of that system but demands acceptance of it as absolute truth. As such, indoctrination does not allow for independent thought but requires unquestioning adherence. The belief or value system itself is often, though not necessarily, absolutist. However, the requirement for the indoctrinated to accept the system as infallible truth is absolute.

Although indoctrination is largely discussed in relation to religion, and particularly religious fundamentalism, the belief or value system being imposed can be political, religious, prejudiced, or otherwise. It can also be a combination thereof, such as where religious and political ideologies are combined in the grooming of people into radicalization ...