The Eugenic Legacy in Psychology and Psychiatry

Abstract

Background: Assumptions about genetic differences in human mental characteristics can be traced in large part to the eugenic movement, ascendant at the turn of the 20th century. Material: This paper offers historical case studies, of `innate general cognitive ability' and `psychiatric genetics', in order to appraise the eugenic legacy in current psychology and psychiatry. Discussion: Reviewing the work of representatives, Cyril Burt, Franz Kallmann and Eliot Slater, along with their research networks, it is argued that eugenics remains a quiet but powerful background influence in modern-day psychology and psychiatry. Conclusion: At the turn of the 21st century, eugenics remains an important area of inquiry, reflection and education for those in the inter-disciplinary field of social psychiatry.