Inheriting Shame: The Story of Eugenics and Racism in America

In this remarkable book, Steven Selden tells the story of the eugenics movement in America during the early decades of the twentieth century. Complete with fascinating archival photographs, Inheriting Shame provides a powerful historical account and refutation of biological determinist ideas. Selden discusses the role played by America’s foremost social theorists and scientists, popular media, and most importantly, the school textbook, in shaping public consciousness regarding the "truth" of biological determinism. Much more than simply an historical overview, Inheriting Shame concludes with a trenchant analysis of contemporary research evidence of the role that inheritance plays in complex human behavior–including traits ranging from Down Syndrome to violent behavior and homosexuality.