Taboo and genetics : $b A study of the biological, sociological and psychological foundation of the familyKnight, Melvin M. (Melvin Moses)
Science
Taboo and genetics : $b A study of the biological, sociological and psychological foundation of the family
Knight, Melvin M. (Melvin Moses)
Sex (Biology); Sex (Psychology); Taboo; Women
In the final analysis, it will probably be demonstrated that for a
certain type of personality there can be no compromise which will
resolve the conflict between the egoistic inclinations and the interests
of the group. For those whose deepest desires are so out of harmony with
the social life of the times there is no alternative but to sacrifice
their personal desires or to forfeit the pleasure of feeling in complete
rapport with their fellows. In such natures, the ultimate course of
conduct will be determined by the relative strengths of the
individualistic and gregarious impulses, other things being equal. In
some instances this will mean the choice of a line of conduct out of
harmony with the general trend of group life; in others, it will mean
the repression of personal inclinations and conformity to social
standards.
For the majority of people, however, it is likely that a more rational
form of social control, freed from the long ages of taboo restrictions,
and based upon accurate biological and psychological knowledge, will
solve the disharmony between the individual and the group to a great
extent. Such a rationalization will take into account the value of a new
ideal of love which shall be built up from a sane relationship between
the sexes and in accordance with eugenic standards. It will also grant a
great deal of personal autonomy in the determination of sexual
relationships in so far as this can be correlated with the welfare of
the children of the race. Last of all, it will attempt to condition the
emotional reactions to respond to stimuli which shall insure eugenic
mating naturally and without the intervention of legislation.
Unless modern civilization can set up some such form of rational control
for the sexual and reproductive life of its members, the present
conflict between individuation and socialization will continue and the
dysgenic factors now operative in society will steadily increase. In the
end, this internal conflict may become so powerful as to act as an
irresistible disintegrating force that will shatter the fabric of modern
social organization. Only the evolution of a rationalized method of
control can avert this social catastrophe.
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR CHAPTER III.
1. Anthony, Katharine. Feminism in Germany and Scandinavia. Henry Holt,
N.Y., 1915.
2. Bloch, Ivan. Sexual Life of Our Time. Rebman, London, 1908.
3. Burgess, E.W. The Function of Socialization in Social Evolution.
Univ. Chicago Press, 1916.
4. Finck, H.T. Romantic Love and Personal Beauty. Macmillan, N.Y., 1891.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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