A set of beliefs or principles that are taught and accepted by a group, especially in religion, politics, or law. It is often treated as an official or authoritative teaching.
From Latin 'doctrina', meaning 'teaching, instruction, knowledge', from 'doctor' meaning 'teacher'. It entered English through Old French 'doctrine'. The word kept the sense of something formally taught and passed down.
The word 'doctor' originally meant 'teacher', not 'medical expert', so 'doctrine' is literally the stuff teachers pass on. In religion and politics, calling something a 'doctrine' signals that it's not just an idea, but an idea with institutional backing. It's a reminder that knowledge is often organized into official 'packages' of belief.
Many legal, religious, and political doctrines historically encoded male dominance, excluding women from rights, leadership, and interpretation. Language around doctrine has often treated male authorities as the default interpreters.
When discussing doctrine, name whose doctrine it is and how it has affected different genders, rather than presenting it as neutral or universal.
["principle","set of principles","policy framework"]
Women scholars, activists, and theologians have played key roles in challenging and revising doctrines that marginalized them, even when their work was not formally recognized.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.