OLD DISTINCTIONS IN NEW CLOTHES

Positive and Negative Eugenic Goals for Populations

Earlier in this century, the eugenics movement was more concerned with the genetic quality, or “health,” of populations than with the health and welfare of individuals. Indeed, as noted in Chapter 2, some in that movement were concerned that keeping “unfit” individuals healthy might have dysgenic effects. This focus on populations rather than individuals is part of what makes the movement and its goals seem so threatening.

We also saw that the eugenics movement had two main goals. Its negative goal was the reduction in dysgenic effects or burdens on the gene pool by eliminating genetic diseases, disorders, disabilities, and other “defects.” Negative eugenics aimed to improve the health and performance of the population by preventing reproduction of its least healthy and least capable members. This goal required severe restrictions on reproductive rights, for those with “defects” had to be kept from reproducing, if necessary through the involuntary sterilization of “mental defectives.”

The goal of positive eugenics was to improve the health and performance of the population by increasing the rate of reproduction of those harboring its best traits and capabilities. Pursuing this goal also involved modifying traditional reproductive practices, although usually through voluntary measures. For example, as also noted in Chapter 2, to inspire the right marriage choices, there were competitions at county fairs aimed at displaying the best human “breeding stock.”