Applied Eugenics: Exploring the Legacy of Eugenics: Perspectives on Genetics, Society, and Ethics

by Paul Popenoe

Applied Eugenics by Paul Popenoe is about the morally controversial fringe set of beliefs and practices that aim to improve the genetic quality of a human population. Historically, eugenicists have attempted to alter human gene pools by excluding people and groups judged to be inferior or promoting those judged to be superior. "I. Nature or Nurture? 1 II. Modification of the Germ-Plasm 25 III. Differences Among Men 75 IV. The Inheritance of Mental Capacities 84 V. The Laws of Heredity 99 VI. Natural Selection 116 VII. Origin and Growth of the Eugenics Movement 147 VIII. The desirability of Restrictive Eugenics, IX. The Dysgenic Classes, Methods of Restriction, The Improvement of Sexual Selection, Increasing the Marriage Rate of the Superior, Increase of the Birth-Rate of the Superior, XIV. The Color Line, Immigration, War, Genealogy and Eugenics."

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History

599 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2007

About the author

1888-

Reviews

[Brian Huskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fascinated with scientific attempts to explain culture and race throughout history. I don't think we spend enough time talking about scientific consensus on race a hundred years ago or less, and what the implications are for 1) the social issues of today, and 2)our absolute faith in today's popular scientific notions.

[Brian Gillum · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written at a time when genetics was in its infancy and eugenics was mainly a pseudo science used to justify draconian policies against races, ethnicities, the poor, the disabled and others.

What is sad is that even though much of the rubbish has since been debunked the adherents of racial superiority and other such still cling to the theories professed here.

[Ryan Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historically this is a fascinating read. Written at a time when ideas to better society through reproduction where wide spread and considered credible. Recommend to better understand ideas that are intertwined with WWII and perhaps the inspiration of Huxley's Brave New World

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really know how to rate this book-- from a social justice standpoint, it's a horrifying text. But it's well-written and well-argued. I'm using it as a resource for my next novel about the eugenics movement.

[Yi Chen Chong]

I dislike the ideas of Roswell Hill Johnson, as I do not believe they are practical.