Zhdanov Doctrine

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The Zhdanov Doctrine (also called Zhdanovism or Zhdanovshchina; Russian: доктрина Жданова, ждановизм, ждановщина) was a Soviet cultural doctrine developed by Central Committee secretary Andrei Zhdanov in 1946. The main principle of the Zhdanov Doctrine was a strict interpretation of Socialist Realism and a focus upon positive artistic works that exalted the proletariat, and its role in socialist construction. Zhdanovism soon became a Soviet cultural policy, meaning that Soviet artists, writers, and intelligentsia with few exceptions had to clearly conform to the party line in their creative works. Under this policy, artists who failed to comply with the government's wishes risked public scorn and harm to their career. The policy remained in effect until the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953.

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