The Evolution of American Eugenics in the Twentieth Century: Mentalism, Xenophobia, and Racism
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Authors
Bell, Joseph
Issue Date
2021-07
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Academic theses , African Americans , Eugenics , History , Racism , Sterilization (Birth control) , United States , Xenophobia
Alternative Title
Abstract
The American Eugenics Movement occurred within several decades of the twentieth century, and the perception of it as a solely race-based movement has been generally accepted. However, while eugenics utilized racism later against Black and Brown minorities, other methods of repression were used to alienate groups regardless of race. This thesis will explore the timeline of eugenic theory itself, as well as the socio-political movement behind it, to prove an evolution occurred. Three distinct eras of change in eugenic philosophy took place during this period. Mentalism, or Sanism, was first used in eugenic ideology before the 1920s and targeted the mentally ill and disabled. Nativism and xenophobia became popular during the late 1910s and early 1920s. From this point until after World War II, policies were enacted that labeled Southern and Eastern European Immigrants as “feebleminded” and barred their entry into the United States. The final era consisted of sterilizations on African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities using racism linked to socio-economic status and enrollment on welfare rolls. The evolution of eugenic philosophy and policies occurred as new threats to the status quo emerged. While this (then) scientific theory was not rooted in racism when created, it relied heavily on classism in an effort to improve the human race. Throughout this period in the United States, the upper classes were the primary participants in eugenics. Many members were white and held classist, racist, and nativist views. These individuals altered eugenic philosophy and policy as needed to prevent national genetic stock from degrading. This was why the American Eugenics Movement evolved.
Keywords: Eugenics, American History, Sterilization, African Americans, Xenophobia, Racism
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This dissertation is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, revised in 1976). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgement. Use of the materials for financial gain with the author's expressed written permissions is not allowed.