Applied Eugenics

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

19560

Title

Applied Eugenics

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Written by Paul Popenoe and Roswell H. Johnson, this 1918 text argues that society must apply biological principles to improve the human race. It advocates for legal and social adjustments to encourage reproduction among the 'superior' while restricting it among the 'inferior,' framing eugenics as a practical necessity following World War I.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1918, Applied Eugenics by Paul Popenoe and Roswell H. Johnson presents a comprehensive argument for applying biological science to social policy. The authors posit that the science of eugenics combines a foundation of biology with a superstructure of sociology. Following the devastation of World War I, which disproportionately killed the 'sounder portion' of the population, the authors argue that eugenics has ceased to be merely academic and has become a matter of urgent survival for civilization. The book aims to shift the focus from purely biological mechanisms to the practical means by which society can encourage the reproduction of 'superior' persons and discourage that of 'inferiors.' The text systematically addresses the debate between 'nature' (heredity) and 'nurture' (environment), asserting that inherited characteristics remain remarkably constant and that environmental improvements alone cannot transmit better traits to offspring. The authors detail the inheritance of mental capacities and the laws of heredity, utilizing statistical methods to demonstrate that differences among men are largely due to nature. They categorize the population into 'eugenic classes,' distinguishing between the 'superior,' 'average,' and 'inferior' (or dysgenic) groups, arguing that the latter must have fewer or no children to prevent racial decline. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to proposing specific legal, social, and economic adjustments. The authors suggest progressive inheritance taxes to prevent the unfair guarantee of riches to individuals regardless of worth, moderate taxes on bachelors to encourage marriage among the superior, and exemptions for large families. They also discuss the eugenic implications of immigration, war, and various social reforms such as compulsory education, vocational guidance, minimum wages, and housing. The text explicitly addresses the 'color line,' arguing that the 'white race' must be protected from the influx of 'inferior' stocks through strict immigration controls. The authors also explore the relationship between religion and eugenics, suggesting that religious institutions should support eugenic goals. The book concludes by emphasizing that the eugenics program is tentative and subject to experimental testing. It calls for a biological perspective in sociology, urging students, philanthropists, doctors, and lawmakers to adopt these views. The ultimate goal is to ensure that a larger proportion of superior persons have children, that the average number of offspring for superior persons increases, and that the most inferior persons have no children, thereby securing the future progress and happiness of society.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Politics
• Science