An Image of God

The Catholic Struggle with Eugenics

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book An Image of God by Sharon M. Leon, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sharon M. Leon ISBN: 9780226039039
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: June 5, 2013
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Sharon M. Leon
ISBN: 9780226039039
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: June 5, 2013
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

During the first half of the twentieth century, supporters of the eugenics movement offered an image of a racially transformed America by curtailing the reproduction of “unfit” members of society. Through institutionalization, compulsory sterilization, the restriction of immigration and marriages, and other methods, eugenicists promised to improve the population—a policy agenda that was embraced by many leading intellectuals and public figures. But Catholic activists and thinkers across the United States opposed many of these measures, asserting that “every man, even a lunatic, is an image of God, not a mere animal."

In An Image of God, Sharon Leon examines the efforts of American Catholics to thwart eugenic policies, illuminating the ways in which Catholic thought transformed the public conversation about individual rights, the role of the state, and the intersections of race, community, and family. Through an examination of the broader questions raised in this debate, Leon casts new light on major issues that remain central in American political life today: the institution of marriage, the role of government, and the separation of church and state. This is essential reading in the history of religion, science, politics, and human rights.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During the first half of the twentieth century, supporters of the eugenics movement offered an image of a racially transformed America by curtailing the reproduction of “unfit” members of society. Through institutionalization, compulsory sterilization, the restriction of immigration and marriages, and other methods, eugenicists promised to improve the population—a policy agenda that was embraced by many leading intellectuals and public figures. But Catholic activists and thinkers across the United States opposed many of these measures, asserting that “every man, even a lunatic, is an image of God, not a mere animal."

In An Image of God, Sharon Leon examines the efforts of American Catholics to thwart eugenic policies, illuminating the ways in which Catholic thought transformed the public conversation about individual rights, the role of the state, and the intersections of race, community, and family. Through an examination of the broader questions raised in this debate, Leon casts new light on major issues that remain central in American political life today: the institution of marriage, the role of government, and the separation of church and state. This is essential reading in the history of religion, science, politics, and human rights.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Haiku for a Season / Haiku per una stagione by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book China's Growing Role in World Trade by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book We All Feel by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Crying for Our Elders by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Sound Reporting by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Instructions for American Servicemen in Iraq during World War II by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book China's Hidden Children by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Critical Terms for Animal Studies by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Even the Rhinos Were Nymphos by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book The Trials of Mrs. K. by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book The Bittersweet Science by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book The Specter of Global China by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book A Student's Guide to Law School by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Restitution by Sharon M. Leon
Cover of the book Forms of Attention by Sharon M. Leon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy