In the final analysis, it will probably be demonstrated
that for a certain type of personality there can be
no compromise which will resolve the conflict between
the egoistic inclinations and the interests of the
group. For those whose deepest desires are so
out of harmony with the social life of the times there
is no alternative but to sacrifice their personal
desires or to forfeit the pleasure of feeling in complete
rapport with their fellows. In such natures, the
ultimate course of conduct will be determined by the
relative strengths of the individualistic and gregarious
impulses, other things being equal. In some instances
this will mean the choice of a line of conduct out
of harmony with the general trend of group life; in
others, it will mean the repression of personal inclinations
and conformity to social standards.
For the majority of people, however, it is likely
that a more rational form of social control, freed
from the long ages of taboo restrictions, and based
upon accurate biological and psychological knowledge,
will solve the disharmony between the individual and
the group to a great extent. Such a rationalization
will take into account the value of a new ideal of
love which shall be built up from a sane relationship
between the sexes and in accordance with eugenic standards.
It will also grant a great deal of personal autonomy
in the determination of sexual relationships in so
far as this can be correlated with the welfare of
the children of the race. Last of all, it will
attempt to condition the emotional reactions to respond
to stimuli which shall insure eugenic mating naturally
and without the intervention of legislation.
Unless modern civilization can set up some such form
of rational control for the sexual and reproductive
life of its members, the present conflict between
individuation and socialization will continue and the
dysgenic factors now operative in society will steadily
increase. In the end, this internal conflict
may become so powerful as to act as an irresistible
disintegrating force that will shatter the fabric of
modern social organization. Only the evolution
of a rationalized method of control can avert this
social catastrophe.
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR CHAPTER III.
1. Anthony, Katharine. Feminism in Germany
and Scandinavia. Henry Holt, N.Y., 1915.
2. Bloch, Ivan. Sexual Life of Our Time.
Rebman, London, 1908.
3. Burgess, E.W. The Function of Socialization
in Social Evolution. Univ. Chicago Press,
1916.
4. Finck, H.T. Romantic Love and Personal
Beauty. Macmillan, N.Y., 1891.
