Title: Die Pathologisierung des jüdischen Körpers
First published: 1997
Description: Traces the development of medicine and anthropology in mid-19th-century Europe, and how these disciplines influenced antisemitism and the formation of anti-Jewish stereotypes at the turn of the 20th century. The increased emphasis of medicine on the "nerves" instead of the "soul" led to stigmatization of Jews and women, who were both viewed as hereditarily weak and ill-equipped to withstand the curse of modern times, neurasthenia. The Jewish body, like that of women, was considered different and deviating from the male norm. By pathologizing all behavior that was "abnormal", medicine influenced everyday perceptions, imbuing them with anti-progressive and anti-Jewish content. Furthermore, social prejudice against Jews (and women) was strengthened by anthropology. Focuses on the "degeneration doctrine", in which anthrolopogy's power to stigmatize converged with that of medicine, as the biological view of man gained ground at the expense of the social view. The reason for Jewish "difference" was now sought in their bodies, not in their circumstances, as had been the case during the Enlightenment. Examines, also, the stereotype of the "Wandering Jew" and gives an overview of the debate concerning the Jews as a race. Discusses how the Zionists related to the Jewish stereotypes, especially that of the "effeminate Jew" who was unfit for military service.
Subjects: Social conditions, Medicine, Antisemitism, Jews, History, Prejudice, History, 19th Century, Public opinion, Social medicine
Time periods: 19th century