Between Progressivism and Institutionalism: Albert Benedict Wolfe on Eugenics

Abstract

two unknown referees for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this note. The usual disclaimers apply.When the psycho-economic history of the years 1917 to 1921 shall be written by one suffi ciently detached in time and sentiment, this sudden solicitude on the part of the ruling interests for the integrity of "American" ideals and viewpoints will doubtless be properly and fairly related to the fear of "radicalism" and the popular belief that "radicalism" and "foreign-language" are synonymous terms (Wolfe 1921a, p. 131).Albeit concerned with the biological element in social evolution, Albert B. Wolfe was among the very few economists of the progressive era who openly expressed their concerns about certain implications of eugenic rhetoric for the social science. Specifi cally, Wolfe questioned the strong hereditary boundaries that more extreme eugenicists suggested about human beings. A careful examination of Wolfe's writings reveals that his reaction was rooted in the belief that many of the social problems that eugenicists attributed to hereditary limitations were actually imputable to the infl uence that the social, economic, and physical environment exercised on the individuals.

Hereditarianism, Eugenics, and American Social Science in the Interwar Years: Meet the Carverians

“…Wolfe further developed his criticism of eugenics and hereditarianism in Conservatism, Radicalism, and Scientific Method (1923), a work much inspired by the then rampant behavioristic psychology (Fiorito 2013). Eugenic thinking, he wrote (1923, pp.…”

“…We are left with a feeling that the author would go with some of the popular eugenists of the day and make woman a mere reproductive mechanism rather than an integral part of this race, the progress of which is still to entail so much conflict and so much pain. (Wolfe 1912, p. 681) Wolfe further developed his criticism of eugenics and hereditarianism in Conservatism, Radicalism, and Scientific Method (1923), a work much inspired by the then rampant behavioristic psychology (Fiorito 2013). Eugenic thinking, he wrote (1923, pp.…”

Hereditarianism, Eugenics and American Social Science in the Interwar Years: Meet the Carverians

“…Wolfe further developed his criticism of eugenics and hereditarianism in Conservatism, Radicalism, and Scientific Method (1923), a work much inspired by the then rampant behavioristic psychology (Fiorito 2013). Eugenic thinking, he wrote (1923,(265)(266), was guilty of what he called the "fallacy of linear reasoning," which he considered the "the besetting sin of 'one-track' minds."…”

Eugenics and Socialist Thought in the Progressive Era: The Case of James Medbery Mackaye

“… 1 On the history of eugenics in the United States, see, among many others, Kevles (1995), Allen (1983), and Paul (1995). On the relationship between economics—and social science in general—and eugenics, see Cot (2005), Fiorito (2013), Leonard (2003), Peart and Levy (2005a).…”