Carlos Blacker

Carlos Blacker

Name	Carlos Blacker
Birth name
Birth date	8 December 1895
Birth place	London, England
Death date	21 April 1975
Death place	London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Psychoanalyst, Birth Control Advocate
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Carlos Paton Blacker (8 December 1895 – 21 April 1975) was a British psychoanalyst and a significant advocate for birth control and population studies. He played a crucial role in the development of the Eugenics Society and was instrumental in the establishment of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

Early Life and Education

Carlos Blacker was born in London, England, to a family with a strong intellectual background. He attended Eton College and later went on to study at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he developed an interest in the emerging field of psychoanalysis.

Career

Psychoanalysis

Blacker trained as a psychoanalyst under the guidance of prominent figures such as Sigmund Freud and Melanie Klein. He became a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and contributed to the understanding of psychoanalytic theory and practice in the UK.

Birth Control Advocacy

Carlos Blacker was deeply involved in the birth control movement. He believed in the importance of family planning and population control as a means to improve societal health and well-being. Blacker was a key figure in the Eugenics Society, where he served as General Secretary from 1931 to 1952. During his tenure, he shifted the focus of the society from eugenics to a broader interest in population studies and birth control.

International Planned Parenthood Federation

In 1952, Blacker was instrumental in the founding of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), an organization that aimed to promote family planning and reproductive health worldwide. His work with the IPPF helped to establish a global network of family planning services and advocacy groups.

Contributions to Population Studies

Blacker's work in population studies was pioneering. He advocated for the use of scientific methods to study population dynamics and the impact of birth control on society. His efforts helped to legitimize the field of population studies and integrate it into public health policy.

Legacy

Carlos Blacker's contributions to psychoanalysis and birth control advocacy have had a lasting impact on both fields. His work helped to shape modern approaches to family planning and reproductive health, and his influence is still felt in the ongoing efforts to promote these issues globally.

Also see

• Eugenics Society
• International Planned Parenthood Federation
• British Psychoanalytical Society
• Sigmund Freud
• Melanie Klein