Eugenics and Scientific Racism

Overview

Eugenics: Scientifically inaccurate theory that humans can improve through selective breeding. It is based on a flawed understanding of Mendelian genetics and claims that human qualities like intelligence are simply inherited.
Scientific Racism: Uses science illegitimately to argue for racial superiority. It has roots in misappropriations of advances in medicine and Darwin's theory of evolution.
Both have historically caused harm, especially to marginalized groups.
These theories are rooted in racism, ableism, xenophobia, and colonialism.
Modern genomics works to debunk these myths and combat their present-day forms.

By the 1920s, eugenics became a global movement supported by academics and governments.
Most infamous application in Nazi Germany, leading to the Holocaust and the targeting of marginalized groups (Jews, Sinti, Roma, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons).

Deeply connected to slavery, fears of miscegenation, and concerns over race suicide.
Led to discriminatory policies including involuntary sterilization and restrictive immigration laws.
Targeted marginalized groups: Latinxs, Native Americans, African Americans, poor whites, people with disabilities.

Despite a decline post-WWII, practices persisted into the 1970s and beyond in forms like forced sterilization and social ostracism.
Concerns about genomic advances leading to new forms of eugenics (e.g., prenatal screening, polygenic risk scores).
Ethical concerns about genomic information used for discriminating against individuals.

NHGRI (National Human Genome Research Institute) addresses these concerns through initiatives like the Ethical, Legal and Societal Implications (ELSI) Research Program.
Commitment to addressing structural racism and fostering an inclusive genomics community.
NHGRI History of Genomics Program interrogates legacies of eugenics to ensure ethical applications of genomics.

Last Updated: May 18, 2022