Eugenics

Definition of Eugenics

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Eugenics: Translates roughly as ‘good genes’. The eugenics movement, active in many parts of the Western world, was driven by the belief that social intervention should occur in order to protect the best gene pool. This was achieved by encouraging people who were considered to represent ‘good’ genes to breed, and, more importantly, to support interventions by the state to prevent those considered to have ‘bad’ genes from breeding. In Alberta, for example, the Sexual Sterilization Act, in force from 1928 to 1972, allowed the state to sterilize 2,832 people, most, or all, without their consent.

Eugenics: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Eugenics. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada