The dawn of idiocy: abnormality as the norm of human intelligence

This work examines how science used the abnormal to reconfigure the basis of human intelligence and linked thought to identity. This includes the belief that we inherit intellectual traits the same as physical characteristics. The heredity link between the abnormal and family lineage marked abandonment of cure in favor of social control intensified by the individual who appears normal. This figure justifies screening and classification. Social biology concerned with the welfare of society found a biological threat, which progressively led to sterilization, euthanasia, and genocide. This shift included the power to distribute individuals within a field as though it was real; revealing differences of ability; the realities of his abilities and the contents of the knowledge he is capable of acquiring. This work traces these ideas embedded in the formation of compulsory schooling, the school as social filter, a hyper-normative education system, and pedagogic-treatment for adherence to developmental and behavioral norms.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Policy Studies

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Roof, David J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Span, Christopher M.
• Anderson, James D.
• Hay, James W.
• McCarthy, Cameron R.

• Education
• The science of intelligence
• History
• The concept of the abnormal in the history and philosophy of education

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 David J. Roof

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/26207

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/26207