How Do You Spell EUGENISM?

Pronunciation: [jˈuːd͡ʒiːnˌɪzəm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "eugenism" can be confusing due to its similarity to the more commonly used term "eugenics." However, the pronunciation is different, with the stress falling on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for "eugenism" is /juːdʒənɪz(ə)m/. This term refers to the belief in the improvement of genetic characteristics through selective breeding or other means, with the goal of creating a superior human race. While this concept has been widely discredited and is often associated with discrimination and oppression, it remains an important area of study in the scientific community.

EUGENISM Meaning and Definition

1. Eugenism refers to a social philosophy or movement that advocates for the improvement of the genetic quality of the human population. The term is derived from the Greek word "eugenes," meaning "well-born" or "of good stock." Eugenism proposes methods or measures that aim to control human reproduction to ensure the occurrence of desirable genetic traits and diminish the prevalence of undesirable traits.

   The concept of eugenism gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in western countries, influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Proponents of eugenism believed that by selective breeding or other means, they could enhance the overall genetic composition of human beings, thus improving their physical and mental qualities.

   While eugenism initially garnered support for its promise of improving human health and reducing the burden of hereditary diseases, its implementation was often associated with morally questionable practices. These practices included forced sterilization, euthanasia, or even genocide by negative selection, targeting groups deemed to have "undesirable" genetic traits or characteristics. Critics argue that eugenism has been used as a guise for discrimination, racism, and exerting control over human reproduction, infringing upon individual freedoms and violating human rights.

   It is important to note that eugenism is widely discredited and considered unethical in contemporary society, given its associations with eugenic ideologies pursued by totalitarian regimes in the past. The emphasis on individual autonomy, diversity, and respect for human rights has led to a rejection of eugenism in favor of approaches focused on equality, inclusivity, and medical advancements that promote everyone's well-being.

2. "The aggregate of the most favorable conditions for healthy and happy existence", (Galton.).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for EUGENISM

• eugenic
• eugenics
• wugenism
• sugenism
• dugenism
• rugenism
• 4ugenism
• 3ugenism
• eygenism
• ehgenism
• ejgenism
• eigenism
• e8genism
• e7genism
• eufenism
• euvenism
• eubenism
• euhenism
• euyenism
• eutenism

Etymology of EUGENISM

The word "eugenism" is derived from the term "eugenics".

The term "eugenics" was first introduced by Sir Francis Galton, a British scientist and cousin of Charles Darwin, in 1883. It is composed of the Greek words "eu" meaning "good" and "genos" meaning "race" or "birth". Hence, "eugenics" can be translated to mean "good birth" or "well-born".

Initially, eugenics referred to the study of improving human genetic quality through selective breeding, promoting the idea of manipulating reproduction to obtain desirable traits and eliminate undesirable traits. However, it later evolved into broader social and political ideologies focusing on efforts to improve the genetic traits of the population as a whole.