The Russian Paradox: Kropotkin's influence on International Eugenics
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Room 271
Start Date
15-5-2014
End Date
15-5-2014
Abstract
My research examines the divergent paths of eugenics as demonstrated by the speeches at the First International Eugenics Congress in London in 1912. I specifically target the intersection of the oppressive science and anarchism by unpacking Peter Kropotkin's speech, "The Sterilization of the Unfit." In my presentation I intend to draw comparisons between Russia's desire to improve infrastructure and social welfare and the West's insistence on sterilizing degenerates. I examine language that suggests that eugenics was all or nothing. This is evidenced by Russia's inability to provide an alternative to sterilization that could effectively inhibit the growth of existing degeneration without further oppressing the lower class, which according to Kropotkin, was the catalyst for degeneration.
For this presentation, Joseph Melton received a College of Arts and Humanities Best Oral Presentation Award for 2014.
Recommended Citation
Melton, Joseph, "The Russian Paradox: Kropotkin's influence on International Eugenics" (2014). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 38.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2014/oralpresentations/38
Additional Mentoring Department
History
The Russian Paradox: Kropotkin's influence on International Eugenics
SURC Room 271
My research examines the divergent paths of eugenics as demonstrated by the speeches at the First International Eugenics Congress in London in 1912. I specifically target the intersection of the oppressive science and anarchism by unpacking Peter Kropotkin's speech, "The Sterilization of the Unfit." In my presentation I intend to draw comparisons between Russia's desire to improve infrastructure and social welfare and the West's insistence on sterilizing degenerates. I examine language that suggests that eugenics was all or nothing. This is evidenced by Russia's inability to provide an alternative to sterilization that could effectively inhibit the growth of existing degeneration without further oppressing the lower class, which according to Kropotkin, was the catalyst for degeneration.
For this presentation, Joseph Melton received a College of Arts and Humanities Best Oral Presentation Award for 2014.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Easley, Roxanne