This is a fascinating study into how eugenics and concepts of intelligence have influenced education systems in both the UK and US.For over a hundred years, psychologists and human biologists have been engaged in an often heated debate as to whether 'heredity' or 'environment' should be viewed as the determining factor in the creation of the human personality. For teachers and educationists, the discussion has tended to focus on how the human mind functions and intellectual powers develop.The controversy is often simply expressed in terms of 'nature' versus 'nurture,' with some scientists declaring that human beings are a product of a transaction between the two. To many, such enquiry and speculation is little more than futile and depressing. Yet it can surely be argued that at least with regard to the development of abilities, the 'nature' versus 'nurture' debate has had dire consequences for the education of millions of young people. Furthermore, we need to question why this debate has been pursued with such vigour in both Britain and America.

"Clyde Chitty's piece on eugenic theories and education should be required reading for all teachers and especially students..." Race Equality Teaching "[Eugenics, Race and Intelligence in Education] is accurate, lucid, very readable and academic without any academicism... it has a critical role to play in today's debates and needs to be read and considered by millions." Chris Searle, The Morning Star "[This Book] is a fascinating account of the history of the eugenics 'movement'... Eugenics, Race and Intelligence in Education is a fascinating resource for the reader and exposes the pervasiveness of eugenic ideas amongst policy makers" childRIGHT"

Clyde Chitty is Professor of Policy and Management in Education and Joint Head of the Department of Educational Studies at Goldsmith's College, University of London.