Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a theory that applies the concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies, suggesting that certain individuals or groups are inherently superior and destined to dominate others. This idea was used to justify social inequality, imperialism, and the displacement of marginalized groups, including Native Americans, through policies aimed at assimilation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism gained popularity in the late 19th century, coinciding with expansionist policies and federal assimilation programs targeting Native Americans.
2. The Dawes Act of 1887 reflected Social Darwinist beliefs by promoting individual land ownership among Native Americans, undermining tribal sovereignty and communal land practices.
3. Proponents argued that Social Darwinism justified the belief that Native Americans were 'less evolved' and therefore needed to be assimilated into Euro-American culture for their own benefit.
4. Critics of Social Darwinism highlighted its role in rationalizing inequality and violence against marginalized groups, particularly during periods of colonial expansion and settlement.
5. The legacy of Social Darwinism continues to influence discussions about race, ethnicity, and social policy, as its ideas have been used to support discriminatory practices and attitudes.

Review Questions

• How did Social Darwinism influence federal policies towards Native Americans in the late 19th century?
  • Social Darwinism greatly influenced federal policies by promoting the belief that Native Americans were inferior and needed to be civilized through assimilation. This ideology justified policies like the Dawes Act, which aimed to break up tribal lands into individual allotments, thereby eroding communal living and cultural practices. As a result, these policies not only aimed to integrate Native Americans into Euro-American society but also reflected a broader societal acceptance of racial hierarchy.
• Evaluate the impact of the Dawes Act in relation to Social Darwinist ideologies on Native American communities.
  • The Dawes Act implemented Social Darwinist ideologies by promoting individual land ownership as a means of 'civilizing' Native Americans. By dividing communal lands into private allotments, it disrupted traditional lifestyles and weakened tribal structures. The Act led to significant loss of land and cultural identity for many Native Americans, reinforcing the notion that assimilation into Euro-American culture was necessary for their survival and progress.
• Critically analyze how Social Darwinism shaped public perception of marginalized groups and contributed to systemic inequalities.
  • Social Darwinism shaped public perception by framing marginalized groups, including Native Americans, as inherently inferior and 'less evolved.' This mindset fostered systemic inequalities by justifying discriminatory policies and practices aimed at these groups under the guise of progress and civilization. By normalizing the idea that some populations were destined to dominate others, Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific rationale for imperialism and racism, with lasting effects on social structures and relations in contemporary society.

Related terms

Survival of the Fittest: A phrase often associated with Social Darwinism, referring to the idea that only the strongest individuals or groups survive in a competitive environment.

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population, often associated with Social Darwinism, which promoted selective breeding and sterilization of those considered 'unfit.'

Assimilation: The process by which minority groups adopt the customs and attitudes of the dominant culture, often leading to the loss of their original identity.