Question

Define “eugenics” and describe the history of eugenics in the United States.

Answer 1

Eugenics is a set of practices that aim to improve the genetic quality of the human population.

It played a significant role in the culture and history of America from the late 19 century. The people who are part of eugenics are poor, the disabled, mentally ill, and specific communities of color.

The American eugenic movement is rooted in the idea of Sir Francis Galton. He first used the word Eugenics in genetic improvement of the population to become functional more productive. He believed that eugenics could be implemented through selective breeding. The American eugenics movement receives huge funding from various corporate foundations like Carnegie institution, Rockyfeller foundation.

Eugenic record office(ERO)was founded in Cold Spring Harbor, Newyork in 1911 by Charles B Davenport, with help of Carnegie institution and Harriman railroad fortune.ERO collects a mass of family pedigrees and provided training for field workers who were sent to analyze individuals in various institutions, such as mental hospitals and orphanages.

Some measures adopted in the Eugenics movement of America are

*Better baby contest-Skillful babies with good characters are selected during this contest.

* Compulsory sterilization of men and women in a mental institution

*Control of reproduction among the African American population.late opposition against this act increases

*Sterilization of Latin women

*Men and Women in American prison also sterilized so that chance of creating a child with criminal behavior can be reduced