Which belief, now discredited and harmful, holds that reproduction should be controlled to improve society?

• A. Democracy
• B. Eugenics
• C. Capitalism
• D. Humanitarianism

Answer: (B)

Eugenics is the belief that reproduction should be regulated to improve the genetic quality of a population. This idea is discredited because it treats people as a means to an end, justifies coercive practices, and rests on flawed science that oversimplifies genetics. History shows it led to forced sterilizations, immigration restrictions, and racist policies that caused immense harm while promising societal improvement. Modern understanding of genetics shows traits are complex and influenced by many genes and environments, and true progress respects individual autonomy and rights. Other options describe governance, economic systems, or humanitarian aims, not policies that control who can reproduce for supposed betterment, so they don’t fit the question.