Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a sociopolitical theory that applies the principles of biological evolution, such as natural selection and the survival of the fittest, to human society and social structures. It suggests that certain individuals, groups, or races are naturally superior to others, and that this superiority should be reflected in social, economic, and political systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism was used to justify and perpetuate social inequalities, racism, and imperialist policies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
2. Proponents of Social Darwinism believed that the success or failure of individuals, groups, or nations was a reflection of their inherent genetic and biological fitness.
3. The theory was used to argue against government intervention and social welfare programs, as they were seen as interfering with the 'natural' process of selection.
4. Social Darwinism influenced the development of racist ideologies, such as scientific racism, and was used to support the colonization and exploitation of indigenous populations.
5. The principles of Social Darwinism were also applied to economic and business practices, leading to the belief that unfettered competition and the elimination of the 'unfit' were necessary for progress and prosperity.

Review Questions

• Explain how the principles of Social Darwinism were applied to justify social and economic inequalities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Social Darwinists believed that the success or failure of individuals, groups, and nations was a direct reflection of their inherent genetic and biological fitness. They used this theory to argue that social and economic inequalities were the result of a 'natural' process of selection, where the 'fittest' individuals and groups rose to the top, while the 'unfit' were left behind. This was used to justify the exploitation of marginalized populations, the concentration of wealth and power, and the rejection of government intervention and social welfare programs, which were seen as interfering with the 'natural' order of things.
• Describe how Social Darwinism influenced the development of racist ideologies and imperialist policies during this period.
  • Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific justification for racist beliefs and imperialist policies. Proponents of the theory argued that certain races or ethnic groups were inherently superior to others, and that this superiority should be reflected in social, economic, and political systems. This led to the development of scientific racism, which was used to support the colonization and exploitation of indigenous populations, as well as discriminatory policies and practices aimed at maintaining the perceived superiority of dominant groups. Social Darwinism also influenced the belief that the expansion of powerful nations and the subjugation of 'weaker' peoples was a natural and necessary process for the progress of civilization.
• Analyze the impact of Social Darwinism on economic and business practices, and explain how it contributed to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.
  • Social Darwinism had a significant impact on economic and business practices during this period. Proponents of the theory believed that unfettered competition and the elimination of the 'unfit' were necessary for progress and prosperity. This led to the rejection of government intervention and social welfare programs, which were seen as interfering with the 'natural' process of selection. Instead, businesses and industries were allowed to operate with minimal regulation, leading to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few successful individuals and corporations. The belief that the 'fittest' would naturally rise to the top justified the exploitation of workers, the monopolization of markets, and the accumulation of vast fortunes by a small elite, while the 'unfit' were left behind. This contributed to the growing social and economic inequalities that characterized the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process by which certain traits become either more or less common in a population based on their relative fitness or advantage in a given environment.

Survival of the Fittest: The concept that the individuals or groups best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations.

Eugenics: The study and practice of selective human breeding to improve the genetic quality of the human population, often associated with racist and discriminatory policies.