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Race biology
1Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden. Anssi.Saura@gmail.com.
Hereditas
|November 26, 2020
Summary
Race biology and eugenics, once prominent in Nordic science, declined as human genetics emerged. Despite early enthusiasm, eugenic practices were abandoned by the mid-20th century.
Area of Science:
- The study examines the historical trajectory of race biology and eugenics within Nordic scientific journals, specifically Hereditas.
Background:
- Hereditas was founded with the vision of race biology, encompassing anthropometrics and eugenics, having significant social applications.
- Herman Lundborg synthesized anthropometric and eugenic approaches, heading Sweden's Institute for Race Biology.
Observation:
- Early volumes of Hereditas featured physical anthropology and eugenics, reflecting the prevailing scientific climate.
- A shift in focus occurred, with most papers moving towards human genetics, largely devoid of eugenic content.
Findings:
- Intellectual climate regarding race biology and eugenics changed from positive to negative between the 1920s and 1930s.
- Human genetics eventually became the dominant and accepted study of humankind, superseding race biology and eugenics.
- Geneticists abandoned anthropometrics around 1940 and eugenics a decade later, though eugenic legislation persisted until the 1970s.
Implications:
- The evolution of Hereditas reflects the broader decline of race biology and eugenics in Nordic countries.
- This historical analysis highlights the transition towards modern human genetics as the primary scientific study of human populations.
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