4.1 Eugenics

• What are eugenics?


  Eugenics is the idea that the genetic quality of the human population can be improved through selective breeding.
• When were eugenic policies used and how?


  Proposed in 1883 and included methods such as sterilisation.

  The goal was to improve the genetic composition of the population; to encourage healthy smart individuals (positive eugenics) to reproduce and to discourage the poor to stop.
• How have eugenic policies been informed by genetic theories?


  Linked to the idea that criminality was transmitted be a criminal gene.

  Reinforces the idea of biological determinism and claims that biology contributes towards social problems such as crime.

  Eugenicists believed that human race was degenerating because the poor were breeding at a faster rate than the rich.
• Why is it no longer used?


  No longer practiced as a crime control policy.

  As values linked to human rights have changed, it is now seen as an example of state crime.
• Sterilisation and the Nazis?


  Favoured policies of purification of the Ayran master race through elimination of those deemed ‘unfit to breed’

  While targeting started with the physically and mentally disabled, with 400, 000 sterilised against their will and 70, 000 killed, the holocaust built on this movement and involved mass genocide of those races deemed inferior.
• Why might it be useful?

  Hutchins & Mednick showed that if a biological parent was a criminal, then there is a much higher risk of the offspring becoming a criminal than if the adoptive parent was a criminal. This shows criminality is in the nature and suggests sterilisation of criminals would be a method of reducing the amount of criminals born into society.
• Why might it not be useful?

  Compulsory Sterilisation is against an individuals human rights and is seen as a state crime so it is not ethical approach to dealing with criminality.

  Research with twin studies shows that while genes may increase risk, it doesnt create an absolute risk of criminality meaning it is unfair to prevent the birth of a child who may never become a criminal.