This book investigates the complex relationship between eugenics and modernization in Romania during the interwar period. Maria Bucur, a professor of history, examines how eugenic ideas were integrated into the state's efforts to modernize Romanian society, exploring the motivations, methods, and consequences of these policies. The work analyzes the scientific, political, and social contexts that shaped these developments, arguing that eugenics played a significant role in the construction of a modern Romanian national identity.

This scholarly work is recognized for its detailed examination of a critical period in Romanian history, offering a nuanced perspective on the implementation of eugenic ideologies within a modernization framework. Scholars have noted its thorough research and its contribution to understanding the social and political landscape of interwar Eastern Europe. The book is considered a significant resource for those studying the history of science, public health, and national identity in the region.