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Teaching to Guard the "Good in Birth". University Studies About Eugenics in Argentina (1942-1980)

Abstract

This paper approaches the Latin-Eugenic variant, particularly, in the aspect developed in Argentina during the 20th Century. That aspect was characterized by a "dissimulated coercion". That Eugenics was based in the control of reproduction though mechanisms supported by Catholic Church and accepted by Liberal elites, which consisted in the disciplining sexuality that rejected sterilizing practices but strengthened, instead, moralizing pro-fascistic strategies; considering them as the best decision to get healthy progeny. Then, we will analyse here the permeability of that Eugenics in the academic world, and its survival after Holocaust behind the consolidation of High Studies of Eugenics, which had its legitimacy from the national State, at the same time of Argentina's involvement in the Cold War. In this way, the particularities of the creation process of social recognition of the degree of Graduate in Eugenics (and its professional authorization) have integrated a singular plot of ideologies and politic disputes that this work expects to show.

Keywords:
eugenics; university; Argentina

Pós-Graduação em História, Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 , Pampulha, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 253 - CEP 31270-901, Tel./Fax: (55 31) 3409-5045, Belo Horizonte - MG, Brasil - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
E-mail: variahis@gmail.com