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History of Eugenics

History of Eugenics. Social Studies 20. Definition. A social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention

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History of Eugenics

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  1. History of Eugenics • Social Studies 20

  2. Definition • A social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention • It has been regarded as a social responsibility, an altruistic (practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others) stance in society • Meant to create healthier, strong and/or intelligent people • To save resources • To lessen human suffering

  3. Historical elements • Justified under state-sponsored discrimination • Forced Sterilization of populations (genetically defective) • Killing of institutionalized peoples

  4. Locations • Germany • Japan • Canada • United States • Australia • Social Democratic Sweden

  5. http://people.clarkson.edu/~sheilafw/classes/hp201/grayscience/images/States%20with%20eugenics%20laws.jpghttp://people.clarkson.edu/~sheilafw/classes/hp201/grayscience/images/States%20with%20eugenics%20laws.jpg

  6. Canada • Sexual Sterilization Act (1928) • Eugenics (Good Birth) • Alberta government sought to limit the reproduction of many kinds of people (visible minorities, ‘feeble-minded’) • They attributed much of the rise of crime, poverty, alcoholism and other vices to these people

  7. http://images.salon.com/books/review/2006/03/04/bruinius/story.jpghttp://images.salon.com/books/review/2006/03/04/bruinius/story.jpg

  8. Amendments • 1937 - Dr. W.W. Cross (Minister of Health) deemed the Act too restrictive • Permitted to sterilize for the benefit of the human race rather than the individual • 1942 - broaden the category of mental patients who could be directed to undergo sterilization • The Alberta Eugenics Board intended to increase the pace of sterilization

  9. 1928 - 1972 • Almost 3000 people were sterilized • Regardless of reasons in support - the individuals ability to reproduce is viewed as a violation of their constitutional rights • Furthermore, research has shown that mentally challenged people are no more likely to produce offspring with similar impediment than the population at large

  10. Tools of the Trade http://statismwatch.ca/1997/06/ http://www.nfb.ca/collection/films/fiche/medias.php?id=33077&idMF=5

  11. Leilani Muir • She spent most of her life living in foster homes • 1955, entered the Michener Centre in Red Deer, Alberta’s Provincial Training School for Mental Defectives • IQ/Interviewed - deemed a ‘moron’ • She was never told of the operation • In 1971, she discovered she could not have children after speaking to her doctor.

  12. Muir Continued • She brought charges against the Alberta legislation in 1996 • It set a precedent for many future settlements awarded to other sterilization victims • She was awarded $740 000 for wrongful sterilization and wrongful confinement • Over 1200 victims have brought suits against the Alberta Government

  13. Assignment • 10 minutes • Why is eugenics appealing to the public? • Why is eugenics considered appealing/appalling? • 5 minutes - Get together with a few classmates (4 max) and discuss your answers

  14. Thoughts/Comments • What did you think about those that suffered under the Alberta government? • How did the economics of the province play into people’s actions and attitudes?

  15. Human Rights Article • Reflecting upon the “Human Rights” article I gave you, are there any comments, suggestions or ideas?

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