ONEIDA STIRPICULTURE Meaning and
Definition
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Oneida Stirpiculture refers to a unique social experiment and practice that originated within the Oneida Community, a religious and utopian commune founded in the mid-19th century. Stirpiculture, derived from the Latin word "stirps" meaning "race" or "stock," denotes a particular approach to selective breeding or controlled procreation within a community.
The Oneida Stirpiculture aimed to create what its adherents perceived as an ideal human society by consciously and scientifically managing human reproduction. It involved the deliberate pairing of individuals with desirable traits to produce offspring who would inherit and further enhance these qualities. The practice focused not only on physical attributes but also on intellectual, moral, and spiritual qualities considered essential for the betterment of society as a whole.
Under the principles of Oneida Stirpiculture, communal leaders designated specific couples to procreate based on their perceived genetic potential. This selection process involved meticulous evaluation and consideration of various factors, such as intellect, temperament, and health, among others. Children born as a result of Stirpiculture were raised collectively by the community, with minimal emphasis on traditional notions of biological parenthood.
The central idea behind Oneida Stirpiculture was to emphasize the principles of eugenics and create an advanced human race capable of perpetuating the community's ideals and values. The practice embodied a belief that human beings could be deliberately bred to achieve superior characteristics, resulting in the creation of an improved society.
However, despite its intentions, Stirpiculture within the Oneida Community was met with controversy, criticism, and ultimately ceased as the community transitioned to a more conventional social structure.
Etymology of ONEIDA STIRPICULTURE
The word "Oneida" in "Oneida stirpiculture" refers to the Oneida Community, a religious and utopian group that existed in the 19th century. The Oneida Community was founded in 1848 in Oneida, New York, by John Humphrey Noyes. They believed in establishing a perfect society based on communal living and shared labor.
The term "stirpiculture" was coined by Noyes and derives from the Latin words "stirps", meaning "stem" or "stock", and "cultura", meaning "cultivation". Stirpiculture referred specifically to the breeding practices within the Oneida Community, which aimed to selectively produce offspring with the best qualities and traits.
The Oneida Community practiced a form of complex marriage, where all members were married to one another. It was in line with their belief in communal ownership, sharing of property, labor, and child-rearing responsibilities.
