Researchers were often unable to interview more than one or two generations of a family, due to mortality. This meant that information about previous generations had to come from the accounts of children, grandchildren and friends. (Dolan) In some cases accounts were taken from neighbors and acquaintances. These shoddy methods of gathering information are among just a few of the factors that made the eugenics movement more of a witch hunt than a science.
The research methods used in eugenics were based largely on the work
of Gregor Johann Mendel. Mendel was a 19th century priest and a scholar.
His scientific work centered on heredity traits in pea plants. Plant hybridization
was a large field of study during the mid-1800s. (O'Neil) Mendel made
many discoveries and set several benchmarks in the field. Peas, though,
are far less complex than human beings.
Eugenics research attempted to explain complex human conditions such as
schizophrenia and manic depression by blaming a single gene. Researchers
continually tried to fit the information gathered into Mendelian templates.
(Dolan) The theory was that if the "defective" gene could be
identified then it could be bred out of the bloodline. Though, instead
of breeding the "defective" genes out of the bloodline most
eugenicists preferred sterilization. (Dolan)
A lack of clearly defined terms was also a problem the movement faced. Terms like "feeblemindedness," "defective" and "degenerate" were among some of the broader terms. Researchers never took the time to define what each of the terms meant and what characteristics were associated with them. Instead the subjects, or, more appropriately, victims, were diagnosed and labeled on an individual basis. Do to a clearly defined terminology base, just about anyone who was disliked or fell out of favor could be diagnosed as "feebleminded" or an "imbecile."
The technology that is available today for tracking genetic movement
far surpasses anything available to eugenicists in the early 20th century.
Instead of DNA tags and advanced gene tracking software they depended
almost solely of visibly observable features. Skull measurements, hunched
backs, poor hygiene and laziness were among the symptoms that were used
to classify "defective" people.
