Eugenics, Genetics, and Disability in Historical and Contemporary Perspective

In the U.S. the eugenic alarm grew in the first three decades of the twentieth century leading to sterilization, institutionalization and other laws to restrict procreation, especially among persons with certain disabilities. This period also marked the beginning of the social work profession; and many social workers struggled with coming to grips with eugenics as a possible means of improving society. These historical issues have evolved in many ways, but the continued inter-relationship between the social work profession and persons with disabilities has particular importance during an era marked by continued genetic innovations and controversies.