A Hidden History: A Survey of the Teaching of Eugenics in Health, Social Care and Pedagogical Education and Training Courses in Europe

• Published in: Journal of intellectual disabilities Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 371 - 385
• Main Authors: Atherton, H. L, Steels, S. L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England SAGE Publications 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Allied Health Occupations Education; Course Content; Curriculum - standards; Education of Intellectually Disabled; Educational Personnel - education; Eugenics; Europe; Foreign Countries; Genetics; Health Personnel - education; Higher Education; History; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Intellectual Disability - therapy; Online Surveys; Professional Education; Secondary Education; Social Work; Teacher Education; United Kingdom; Austria; Norway; Ireland; Germany; education and training; history of eugenics; intellectual disability professionals
• ISSN: 1744-6295; 1744-6309
• DOI: 10.1177/1744629515619253

Knowledge and understanding of how eugenics has historically affected the lives of people with intellectual disabilities is vital if professionals are to mount an effective defence against its contemporary influences. An online survey of European providers of health, social care and pedagogical education and training courses was undertaken to find out how the history of eugenics is taught to those wishing to work in services for people with intellectual disabilities. Two hundred and six educational providers were contacted with a response rate of 35.9% (n = 74). Findings showed that the majority of educational providers recognize the importance of including the history of eugenics in their courses, although fewer feel confident that it is sufficiently well covered to prepare future professionals for their role as protector. Course content differs on both the emphasis given to the different components of this history, time dedicated to its delivery and the extent to which it is used to inform legal and ethical debate. Specific recommendations for developing the way in which this subject area is taught are outlined.