negative eugenics
Quick Summary
Negative eugenics is a practice aimed at controlling reproduction to prevent individuals deemed "defective" from having children. Coined by Francis Galton in the late 19th century, it was influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and the concept of social Darwinism. The goal was to improve the genetic quality of the human race by discouraging or prohibiting reproduction among those considered "less suitable" or "defective stock." This approach ultimately led to widespread criticism and discreditation, particularly due to its misuse by the Nazis for genocidal purposes.1
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eugenicsEarly history…proliferation of “good stock,” and negative eugenics, defined as prohibiting marriage and breeding between “defective stock.” For eugenicists, nature was far more contributory than nurture in shaping humanity.
Read More…proliferation of “good stock,” and negative eugenics, defined as prohibiting marriage and breeding between “defective stock.” For eugenicists, nature was far more contributory than nurture in shaping humanity.
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survival of the fittestEugenics… actively encouraging good breeding and negative eugenics preventing bad breeding. A pertinent example of negative eugenics appeared in the work of American psychologist Robert Yerkes. During World War I Yerkes analyzed the intelligence of U.S. Army recruits, and he concluded that heritable traits accounted for differences in intelligence between
Read More… actively encouraging good breeding and negative eugenics preventing bad breeding. A pertinent example of negative eugenics appeared in the work of American psychologist Robert Yerkes. During World War I Yerkes analyzed the intelligence of U.S. Army recruits, and he concluded that heritable traits accounted for differences in intelligence between
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