Eradicating Deafness: Genetics, Pathology, and Diversity in Twentieth-Century America

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How did American geneticists go from fearing the dysgenic effects of deaf intermarriage to considering modern biotechnology a threat for Deaf culture This book provides insight into changing ideas of what deafness is, what science and medicine should achieve, and to the transformative effect of exchange between scientists and deaf communities. -- .

Reviews

'Schmidt (Univ. of Gttingen Medical Center) documents the historical attempts to eradicate deafness genes through coercive and restrictive measures including marriage counseling and family planning practices in order to achieve "normalization," as well as the 20th-century embrace of biodiversity and of being Deaf as a situation entailing cultural/linguistic differences. In 1977 this reviewer sat in McCay Vernons psychology class alongside Deaf classmates, whom he asked to reflect on their etiologies and family histories. Vernons respect for Deaf culture and sign language informed his research in genetics and his genetic counseling practice, which aimed to provide self-knowledge as well as psychological and emotional support. Vernon's work, among others cited in this book, led the historic shift in perceptions, paradigms, and terminology about being Deaf, redirecting genetics research and genetic counseling. Prior to this shift, perceptions about genetics and deafness followed a pathological/curative paradigm. But the new sociocultural perspective surfaced and embraced both signing as a cultural practice and population diversity as a norm. Previously used terms, e.g., "risks" have now shifted to "chances," reducing the blame and stigma of this "disability." Genetic counseling now supports the client in deciding which services to use, which decision to take, and what is considered a pathological condition, along with providing access to appropriate information.'
--J. F. Andrews, emerita, Lamar University
Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.
Reprinted with permission from Choice Reviews. All rights reserved. Copyright by the American Library Association.

'[...] this valuable work stands out in its nuanced exploration of the in-between places.'
Social History of Medicine

'A masterful study of the history of genetic deafness research, Eradicating Deafness exemplifies how new historical perspectives can be developed by merging disability history with the history of science.'
European Journal for the History of Medicine and Health

'In this valuable addition to Manchester University Presss fast-growing Disability History series, Marion Andrea Schmidt chronicles a history of the intersection of eugenics, genetics, Deafness, and disability throughout the United States in the twentieth century. [...] Eradicating Deafness offers important contributions beyond its immediate scope in the history of medicine. While Schmidt is right to continuously emphasize the narratives often surprising conclusions, the books other achievementsits clear style, minute attention to archival detail, and adept synthesis of seemingly disparate fields of inquirywill also contribute to broader studies of history, politics, and culture.'
Bulletin of the History of Medicine

'Overall, this is a fascinating work that creatively connects case studies that, through another lens, may seem disjointed. It serves as both an important work in its own right and a springboard for potential new and exciting endeavors.'
H-Disability

'Overall, this is a fascinating work that creatively connects case studies that, through another lens, may seem disjointed. It serves as both an important work in its own right and a springboard for potential new and exciting endeavors.'
Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Author Bio

Marion Andrea Schmidt is a Research Associate at the Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine at the University Medical Center Gttingen