degeneráltak

Degeneráltak is a Hungarian term that historically referred to individuals exhibiting what were then considered undesirable or degenerate traits. The concept is closely linked to the eugenics movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which aimed to improve the genetic quality of human populations. In this context, "degeneráltak" could include people with physical or mental disabilities, individuals deemed to have criminal tendencies, or those who deviated from perceived social norms. The term was often used pejoratively and reflected a deterministic view of human behavior and characteristics, believing them to be solely inherited.

The application of the term was broad and often subjective, encompassing a range of conditions and behaviors that society at the time deemed problematic. Scientific understanding of genetics and human development was limited, leading to oversimplified and prejudiced classifications. The eugenics movement, and by extension the concept of "degeneráltak," has been widely discredited due to its flawed scientific basis and its association with discriminatory practices, including forced sterilization and, in more extreme cases, genocide. Modern approaches to human diversity emphasize social, environmental, and complex genetic factors, moving away from the simplistic and harmful categorizations represented by the term "degeneráltak."