Challenging rigid concepts
Latin eugenics, transnationality and the critique of exceptionalism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15848/hh.v17.2068Keywords:
Historiography, History of Science, BrazilAbstract
The book A hora da eugenia, by historian Nancy Stepan, constitutes an important reference on the history of eugenics in Brazil, not only for its pioneering aspect, but for the interpretative keys it presents, such as the concept of “Latin eugenics”. The purpose of this article is to advance the discussion proposed by Stepan, analyzing it critically and bringing new elements presented not only by historiography, but also by primary sources, which demonstrates that the concepts and approach proposed by the author need to be overcome since they focus excessively on the construction of exceptionalities and antagonisms, covering up the common aspects among non-Latin countries, and creating stereotyped representations about the region. We believe that, due to its limited and restrictive nature, concepts such as “Latin eugenics” must be challenged by adopting a transnational and comparative approach, in order to seek connections and common aspects and escape the trap of “exceptionalisms” as a key interpretative analysis.
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