How Eugenics Causes Crime

1609 Words7 Pages
“Eugenics describes a movement to improve human heredity by the social control of human breeding, based on the assumption that differences in human intelligence, character and temperament are largely due to heredity (princeton.edu).” Science at the time, was the forefront of all American intelligence efforts. Engulfed by the new concept of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin, Eugenics spiraled out of control, morphing the notion and original intent. However, the wealthy and upper middle class fully supported Eugenics without delay because they wanted to rid the country of the lowlifes and less “intelligent” or less “successful” (princeton.edu). Their aim was to wipe out those who were different, or considered incompetent and thrive in a world…show more content…
Eugenics however, contradicted that realism. If you do not “better” society than you are of no use, better off dead than as a body causing havoc. Although everyone is here for a reason; perhaps to be taught a lesson, adjust to having to handle a situation or simply learn something. Crime will always exist, there will always be greed and desire that causes crime to occur, and it is not always the lower class that commits crime like the idea of eugenics proposes. Crime occurs across the board; high, middle or lower class. Mental and physical illness is not something that can be controlled in most cases. To deter someone integrity and equality because of something that hinders them is unjust. With the advancement in technology and medicine that America has in modern-day times, it is easier to comprehend that physical attributes are passed down to offspring, but mental states and situations are not guaranteed to be passed down as well. The variety of classes in America creates an equilibrium, (discoverthenetworks.org) "You must all know half a dozen people at least who are no use in this world, who are more trouble than they are worth... if you’re not producing as much as you consume or perhaps a little more...your life does not benefit us and it can’t be of very much use to yourself."
Show More
Related

  • Eugenics Ethical Issues

    2642 Words  | 11 Pages

    Eugenics is a very controversial topic that has a distinct place in our past, present, and future. Eugenics is essentially the genetic manipulation of people in order to create the perfect human being. This is accomplished through a variety of means that will be further discussed throughout this paper. With improvements in science and genetic testing in the 21st century it is essential for us to understand the happenings of “old eugenics” so society doesn’t repeat the past. It can no longer be ignored

    Read More

  • Strengths And Weaknesses Of Biological Explanations Of Criminal Behaviour

    2877 Words  | 12 Pages

    brief timeline of criminology will be provided to express the development of the biological perspective on crime from theorists such as Lombroso (19th c.) to modern biological theories. I will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory from alternative perspectives using empirical data and previous research as evidence. I will discuss policies and initiatives used to combat crime based on biological explanations and finally, conclude the essay by synthesising these points to produce a valid

    Read More

  • Uniformity In Brave New World

    3573 Words  | 15 Pages

    Brave New World and Equus and are both texts portraying societies that do not tolerate the individual; they demand spiritual uniformity. Similarly, T.S Eliot's poetry depicts spiritual desolation: of a Europe projected into turmoil after WWI. People could not reconcile their thoughts to a benign God that would allow mass slaughter. Brave New World is set in a dystopian future at approximately 2542 A.D. After a cataclysmic war, the society created is devoid of suffering to the extent that it has become

    Read More

More about How Eugenics Causes Crime

Open Document