The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness

The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness

Read online or download for free

Language: EnglishPublished:

Authors:

About this book

In the early 20th century, as eugenics gained traction in American society, Henry Herbert Goddard's "The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness" emerged as a pivotal examination of hereditary influences on intelligence. Through meticulous genealogical research, Goddard scrutinizes the Kallikak lineage, revealing stark contrasts between the "feeble-minded" and the "normal" branches of the family tree. This groundbreaking document delves into complex themes of heredity and social responsibility, making it essential reading for students, civic activists, and historians alike. By unpacking the implications of intelligence and its perceived inheritance, Goddard's work invites critical reflection on societal attitudes towards mental health and genetics.

More books by author: Goddard, Henry Herbert