‘Falling in Love Intelligently’: Eugenic Love in the Progressive Era

Abstract

This essays analyzes the concept of "eugenic love" in early twentieth century American popular culture. It argues that eugenics was commonly understood as a sexual science and traces the contours of the eugenic vernacular in newspapers, fiction, and film. In particular, the focus on women's role in mate selection tapped into anxieties about shifting gender roles in the Progressive Era. By making love scientific, supporters of eugenics hoped to ensure happy marriages and healthy children, but detractors warned of draining romance of its vitality.

Keywords

• anti-feminism
• eugenics
• feminism
• love
• progressive era
• sexual science