Blaming the 'Defective' People - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Discussion on societal concerns during economic downturns.
• Fear of the resurgence of eugenics - blaming societal issues on 'bad genes'.

Historical Context of Eugenics

• Eugenics: Belief in improving the human species through controlled heredity.
• Historical instances:
  • Great Depression era: Immigrants, mentally disabled, and incarcerated blamed for societal problems.
  • Advocated sterilization of those deemed 'defective'.

Modern Concerns

• Current economic downturns raise concerns about a resurgence of eugenic-like ideas.
• Paul Lombardo's perspective:
  • Bigotry and scapegoating persist.
  • Eugenics might reappear in a new form if economic conditions worsen.
  • Example: California political campaigns focusing on immigration restrictions.

Historical Legislation and Cases

• Indiana's 1907 law on involuntary sterilization.
• 1913 laws against interracial marriages.
• 1927 Supreme Court case - Buck v. Bell: Upheld sterilization of the 'mentally defective'.

Criticism and Scientific Context

• Criticism existed even in the past but was overshadowed by the supposed scientific basis.
• Genetics was seen as progressive due to advances in animal and plant breeding.
• Eugenics provided a scientific veneer to prejudices.

Modern Genetic Science

• Completion of the human genome map elevates genetic science.
• Fears of 'neo-eugenics' - attributing negative behaviors to genetics.
  • Garland Allen's critique of baseless genetic claims.

Societal Implications

• Economic downturns may exacerbate inequalities:
  • Wealthy exploiting research breakthroughs.
• Ethnic diversity today complicates scapegoating.

Conclusion

• Debate on the potential return of eugenics.
• Mixed opinions on the impact of economic conditions on modern eugenics.
• Scientific community's potential role in preventing compulsory state policies.