What is Eugenics?
"Eugenics refers to the philosophy and practice of selective breeding of humans with desirable (or “superior”) hereditary traits. The term was coined by the scientist Francis Galton in his 1883 book, Inquiries into Human Faculty and its Development." (dzܰ:)
"Eugenics targeted specific groups - there are clear links between Galton’s eugenics, imperialism and national socialism. The racist, classist and ableist ideas at its core are directly linked to atrocities against millions of people. The ideas of eugenics are visible in medicine, sociology, social policy, genetic science, law, archaeology and anthropology. Around the world, eugenics of one form or another is implicated in: compulsory sterilization; legislation on mental deficiency; immigration law and racist policies; the notion of natural intelligence; normalisation of segregation by race, ability and class." (dzܰ:UCL History of Eugenics Inquiry Report, page 7)
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Please note: This programme addresses eugenics and its legacies. Our content deals with conversations about racism, colonialism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and class warfare. Please take care when accessing any resources.