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What are the core components that perpetuate *negative* views of *disability" in eugenics?

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Final answer:

The perpetuation of negative views on disability in eugenics stems from the belief that disabilities represent inferior traits that should be eliminated. Influenced by Social Darwinism, eugenics favored measures like forced sterilizations and prohibitions on marriage for individuals with disabilities, while modern society still grapples with related stigmas and myths.

Step-by-step explanation:

The core components that perpetuate negative views of disability in eugenics are built upon the pseudoscientific idea that certain traits, including disabilities, are inherently inferior and should be eliminated from the human gene pool. Eugenic policies in the United States and Nazi Germany sought to control the reproduction of individuals deemed unfit, often including those with physical, intellectual, or congenital disabilities. Mechanisms to promote these views included forced sterilizations, marriage prohibition laws, and even more extreme measures such as euthanasia or neglect of the disabled, particularly by the Nazis during their quest to create an Aryan race.

The influence of Social Darwinism, which propagated the belief that aiding the "unfit" would lead to the decline of society, contributed significantly to negative perceptions of people with disabilities. These Social Darwinist views erroneously justified the exclusion and mistreatment of individuals with disabilities under the guise of improving the overall health of society. Finally, despite medical advancements and increased visibility, myths around disabilities persist, indicating that certain modern-day attitudes can be traced back to eugenicist ideologies, highlighting the need for continued public education and advocacy to dispel these enduring stigmas.

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