Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a social theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to human society, suggesting that individuals or groups achieve advantage over others due to inherent superiority. This concept became a justification for various social policies, including laissez-faire capitalism and imperialism, as it positioned certain races and classes as more evolved than others, influencing both business practices and labor dynamics during industrialization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism gained popularity in the late 19th century as industrialization transformed American society and economy, influencing views on competition and success.
2. It was often used to justify the wealth accumulation of industrial tycoons by framing their success as evidence of their superiority and capability in business.
3. The concept led to negative perceptions of immigrants and laborers, portraying them as less evolved or capable, which affected labor relations and social policies.
4. Many social reformers opposed social Darwinism, arguing for the need for government intervention to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
5. Social Darwinism influenced American imperialist policies, rationalizing territorial expansion by suggesting that stronger nations had a duty to dominate weaker ones.

Review Questions

• How did social Darwinism influence the behavior and practices of industrial tycoons during the late 19th century?
  • Social Darwinism provided industrial tycoons with a framework to justify their business practices and immense wealth. By adopting the idea that their success demonstrated superior abilities, they rationalized ruthless competition, monopolistic tactics, and exploitation of labor. This perspective not only encouraged aggressive business strategies but also fostered a culture that celebrated individual success while dismissing the plight of workers as a natural outcome of 'survival of the fittest.'
• In what ways did social Darwinism affect perceptions of immigrants and laborers in America during industrialization?
  • Social Darwinism shaped negative attitudes toward immigrants and laborers by labeling them as less evolved or incapable of contributing meaningfully to society. This ideology reinforced stereotypes that immigrants were inferior or a threat to American values, leading to social divisions and resistance against their integration. As a result, laborers faced not only poor working conditions but also societal disdain, which made organizing for better rights more challenging.
• Evaluate the role of social Darwinism in shaping American policies related to imperialism and expansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Social Darwinism played a crucial role in justifying American imperialism by framing it as a moral imperative for stronger nations to dominate weaker ones. This ideology suggested that expansion was not only natural but also beneficial for 'civilizing' other societies deemed less evolved. Consequently, this belief influenced U.S. foreign policy, leading to interventions in countries like the Philippines and Puerto Rico, where American leaders felt it was their duty to impose their values and governance structures, further entrenching the notion of American exceptionalism.

Related terms

Laissez-Faire: An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing businesses to operate freely and compete in an open market.

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population through selective breeding, which was often tied to social Darwinist ideas about race and superiority.

Robber Barons: Wealthy and powerful industrialists in the late 19th century who used exploitative practices to amass fortunes, often justified by social Darwinist principles.