Genetic theories: eugenics

• Eugenics is the idea that through selective breeding we can remove criminal characteristics from the human population in order to improve future generations.
• One example of how eugenics is used is through surgical sterilisation. This could've been influenced by Lombroso's 'born criminals' theory as surgical sterilisation aims to eliminate reproductive opportunities for criminals through institutionalisation.
• An example of the use of eugenics in real life is the forced sterilisation of people with a mental illness or physical condition. For example, eugenics have not had a large influence on UK policy development due to the shared value of human rights, regardless of a crime an individual has committed. However, a mother of 6 with learning difficulties was put through forced sterilisation. This was not about eugenics, but about protecting women against life-threatening pregnancy.
• Eugenicists favour policies such as the compulsory sterilisation of those with mental illnesses, learning difficulties and criminals.