Anarchism and Eugenics: An Unlikely Convergence, 1890-1940 - Paperback

by Richard Cleminson (Author)

This book traces the convergence between anarchism, as an anti-authoritarian, anti-statist political doctrine, and eugenics, the science of 'race improvement' in five countries between 1890 and 1940.

Back Jacket

Richard Cleminson offers a detailed analysis of the historical convergence between anarchism and eugenics in five countries: Argentina, England, France, Portugal and Spain.

The book highlights the seemingly contradictory nature of eugenicist ideas that found a home in an anarchist environment. How does a highly hierarchical doctrine, which seeks to ensure 'race' survival by eliminating dysgenics whilst protecting a select group, become reconciled with a political and social movement that ostensibly believes in the destruction of the state and the removal of all hierarchies? From this perspective, anarchism and eugenics appear to be incommensurable and mutually exclusive.

Despite this apparent paradox, Cleminson identifies multiple overlaps and compatibilities in word and in deed between the two. Some of these appear to be 'logical' in respect of anarchist understandings; the necessity of combatting disease and degeneration as a step towards revolution and as a means of undermining the very basis of capitalism and the state becomes comprehensible. Other overlaps, however, are more problematic and uncomfortable. What concepts of the optimum body did anarchists adopt and why? How far did anarchists go in accepting authoritarian eugenic measures? How did they try to differentiate their expression of eugenics from state forms?

Anarchism and eugenics makes an original contribution to reconsiderations of anarchist ideas in terms of their acceptance of scientific rationales and their participation in 'biopolitics' and the dynamics of governmentality. Furthermore, it seeks to expand historical understandings of eugenics as an equally worldwide phenomenon.

Author Biography

Professor Richard Cleminson is Chair in Hispanic Studies at the University of Leeds