Eugenics Flashcards
What is the basic idea behind eugenics?
The belief that the human race can be improved through selective breeding - encouraging the reproduction of those deemed “superior” and limiting the reproduction of those considered “inferior”
What does the term “eugenics” literally mean?
well born
How did ancient civilizations like sparta and rome practice eugenics?
They practiced infanticide, killing weak or sick babies to ensure only string children survived, especially in militaristic societies.
Who was the father of the eugenics movement, and what were his beliefs?
Sir Francis Galton believed intelligence, morality, and character were hereditary and that society should encourage the reproduction of the superior and discourage the weak.
How did the industrial revolution affect eugenics thinking in Europe?
It led to a belief that poverty and immorality were genetic rather than social issues, reinforcing eugenic ideas to “let the poor die out.”
What were the two main approaches to dealing with the poor during the industrial revolution?
1) Social reform and 2) Laissez-faire (do nothing and let them die out).
Which U.S. state first passed sterilization laws?
Indiana in 1907
What was the outcome of Buck v. Bell (1927)?
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the sterilization of Carrie Buck, legitimizing forced sterilization. Justice Holmes famously said, “three generations of imbeciles are enough”
What was the Racial Integrity Act of 1924?
Law requiring racial classification on birth certificates and banning interracial marriage and reproduction for the “unfit.”
How did Nazi Germany use American eugenics policies as inspiration?
Studied and adapted California’s sterilization laws, ultimately sterilizing 400,000 people and using eugenics ideas to justify genocide.
What is the connection between eugenics and the holocaust?
Nazi extermination camps were an extreme form of eugenics, aiming to eliminate those deemed “unfit,” particularly Jews.
How was eugenics practiced in Great Britian?
Though there were no compulsory sterilization laws, many advocated privately for it, and the British Eugenics Society promoted selective breeding.
Which Canadian provinces had sterilization programs?
Alberta and British Columbia: Alberta passed the sexual sterilization act in 1928.
What happened to Leilani Muir?
She was institutionalized and sterilized at 14 without her knowledge. She later sued and received nearly $1 million in compensation.
How did eugenics affect indigenous populations in Canada?
Indigenous children in residential schools were abused and neglected; many were exposed to diseases like TB, reflecting eugenic attitudes.
What role did Better Baby Contests play in the eugenics movement?
They promoted ideals of physical perfection and eugenic breeding standards at fairs, deducting points for imperfections.
What does the term “feebleminded” historically refer to?
A vague term for mental deficiency, including people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, immigrants with poor English, and others considered “different.”
What was the purpose of positive eugenics?
To encourage the “fit” to reproduce more, often through rewards and social incentives.
