Dysgenics: Genetic Deterioration in Modern Populations

by Richard Lynn

In the mid-19th century, a number of biological and social scientists came to believe that the genetic quality of the populations of the Western nations was deteriorating due to the relaxation of natural selection, the process by which nature eliminates the unfit in each generation by reducing their fertility and by early death. This view, and the idea that steps needed to be taken to correct the situation, came to be widely accepted by the first half of the 20th century. In the second half of the century, however, a reaction against eugenics set in, and from the 1970s onwards eugenics was almost universally dismissed. In this book, Richard Lynn reviews the history of the eugenics movement and seeks to rehabilitate the argument that genetic deterioration is occurring.

Genres: Science, Genetics, Nonfiction, Psychology, Biology, Evolution, Politics

237 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

British Professor Emeritus of Psychology, who is known for his views on racial and ethnic differences.

Lynn was educated at Cambridge University. He has worked as lecturer in psychology at the University of Exeter, and as professor of psychology at the Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, and at the University of Ulster at Coleraine.

Most of his books are about the differences of IQ between different etnicities.

Reviews

[Lubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem -- a true and unbiased investigation into modern society, and it may be, the future of the human race. Eugenics has received a pretty macabre reputation, because certain undesirable characters and world leaders have used its teachings as a crutch to their evil agendas, but if seen for what it actually is, it is a simple and indisputable idea. One of the few modern books on Eugenics which actually deals with the subject, and not with the political or social stigmas related to it. In truth, most of the book is rather dry, constituting mostly of descriptions of studies done on the subject, but it is VERY informative. Recommended for everyone, but be warned that you might not necessarily like what you learn; keep in mind, though, that the book generalizes, and there's ALWAYS exceptions to the rule.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the history of dysgenic theories and why dysgenics is probably happening now. Unfortunately, not a wild ride. More like a slow slumber into decreased IQ. Skip this book and check out the much more wonderful (not), much faster-paced, and much more mind-racing book by Sarraf et. al (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...).

[Julien Comardelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an organized look into a long-standing concern with human population health.
I rate 4/5 stars because of organization, breadth of dysgenic discussion(intelligence and health and criminality), and Lynn’s efforts to collate literatures and discuss options in light of perceived dysgenic trends. I disagree with various assessments and question evidence quality but I find that Lynn’s concerns and observations are often mirrored unknowingly in many many people who worry about obesity, mental illness, and their future children. Worth reading and assessing carefully.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read. It is very much written as an academic study on the subject which results in the coverage being much more about facts and references to previous studies and less about providing a "readable" overview of the subject. I struggled to finish it because of this. There is a great deal of interesting ideas captured here, its just a shame you need to put some effort in to read it.

[Faris Almikdad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy... The closest I ever came to eschatology. Common sense conclusions hard as the observations may be debated. Recommended if you're interested even remotely in the future of the species, your descendants, or just your community and yours a few decades from now.

Also read Lynn's "Eugenics: a reassessment" for the more hopeful approach.

[VBergen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book explains the idea that "those who shouldn't have children, are those who reproduce the most", the reasons, and implication of this. The first chapters are interesting, but then the rest of the book are dumps of data to support the main subject, and the way is presented is boring.

[Fearless Leader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good companion book to Eugenics: A Reassessment.

[David Hildebrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting deep dive into global census data, evaluating IQ, conscientious, and socio economic status against birth rates among the global population. More to be uncovered here by data over time!

[Adrián P. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great book, nice tables and information.

[Vagabond of Letters, DLitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

****1/4