Carlos Blacker

Carlos Paton Blacker

Cartoon of Carlos Paton Blacker

Carlos Paton Blacker (8 December 1895 – 21 April 1975) was a prominent British psychiatrist and eugenicist, known for his work in the field of population control and eugenics. He played a significant role in the development of policies and discussions surrounding these topics in the early to mid-20th century.

Early Life and Education

Carlos Blacker was born in London, England, into a family with a strong military background. He was educated at Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in the United Kingdom, and later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied medicine. His education was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, during which he served as an officer in the British Army.

Military Service

During World War I, Blacker served with distinction, earning the Military Cross for his bravery. His experiences in the war had a profound impact on his views regarding population and the future of society, which later influenced his work in eugenics and population control.

Career in Psychiatry

After the war, Blacker completed his medical studies and specialized in psychiatry. He became a member of the Royal College of Physicians and worked at several hospitals, where he developed an interest in the genetic and social factors affecting mental health. His work in psychiatry laid the foundation for his later involvement in eugenics.

Involvement in Eugenics

Blacker was a key figure in the Eugenics Society, serving as its secretary from 1931 to 1952. He was instrumental in shifting the focus of the society from racial eugenics to a broader concern with population control and family planning. Blacker advocated for the use of scientific methods to improve the genetic quality of the population, emphasizing voluntary measures and education.

Population Control Advocacy

In addition to his work with the Eugenics Society, Blacker was involved in various organizations dedicated to population control. He was a founding member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and worked closely with other leaders in the field to promote family planning and reproductive health services worldwide.

Legacy and Controversy

Carlos Blacker's work in eugenics and population control remains controversial. While he was a proponent of voluntary and educational approaches, the broader eugenics movement has been criticized for its association with coercive and unethical practices. Despite this, Blacker's contributions to the field of population studies and his efforts to promote family planning have had a lasting impact.

Related Pages

• Eugenics
• Population control
• International Planned Parenthood Federation
• Royal College of Physicians