Haslett resident Marge Dickinson speaks with author of “Breeding Contempt: The History of Coerced Sterilization in the United States” and James Madison College professor Mark Largent Wednesday evening at Schuler Books, 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos.
MSU assistant professor Mark Largent held a book signing to promote his first single-author book Wednesday at Schuler Books in Okemos.
Largent, a James Madison College assistant professor, signed copies of “Breeding Contempt: The History of Coerced Sterilization in the United States,” which was published in November.
The 250-page book explores why large numbers of Americans, including sexual deviants, were coercively sterilized from 1890 to 1980.
“Some of the themes are the roles of professionals and how state legislators look for easy solutions to complex problems,” Largent said.
Legislators, lawyers and physicians were legally allowed to sterilize homosexuals, criminals and other members of society who were viewed as promiscuous or perverse, Largent said.
Largent has coauthored several publications relating to the history of science field.
Aaron McCright, a Lyman Briggs associate professor, attended the book signing. McCright said much of his studies involving the history of science and sociology correlate with Largent’s book.
“Anytime you can take trends from the past and make them relevant for today, it can help us better understand where we’re going,” McCright said.
Sherman Garnett, Dean of the James Madison College, said having professors who can contribute to their field on top of teaching helps solidify MSU’s reputation as a serious place for academics.
“Mark is one of a number of professors on campus, and in (James Madison College) in particular, that will bring attention to the college and the issues,” Garnett said.
Stephen Hicks, an Okemos resident, said he didn’t know about the book signing before coming to the store Wednesday but enjoyed meeting Largent.
“We live in a community with highly educated people, and to spend 20 to 30 minutes with a person who spent a lot of time on this is interesting,” Hicks said.
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