Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a sociological theory that applies the concept of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies, suggesting that social progress occurs as the strongest individuals or groups prevail over the weaker ones. This idea often justified social inequality, imperialism, and eugenics, leading to a belief that certain races or classes were inherently superior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism emerged in the late 19th century, influenced by Charles Darwin's theories on natural selection, but it misapplied biological concepts to justify social policies and attitudes.
2. This ideology was used to rationalize class distinctions, suggesting that poverty was a result of personal failure rather than systemic issues.
3. Social Darwinists often opposed social reforms and welfare programs, arguing that such measures interfered with natural competition and societal evolution.
4. The application of Social Darwinism contributed to colonial expansion, as imperialists believed they were 'civilizing' inferior races by dominating them.
5. Critics of Social Darwinism argued that it oversimplified complex social issues and disregarded the role of environment, culture, and cooperation in human development.

Review Questions

• How did Social Darwinism influence societal views on class and race during its peak?
  • Social Darwinism significantly shaped societal views on class and race by promoting the idea that social hierarchies were a natural outcome of competition. This perspective suggested that wealthier classes were inherently superior and deserved their status, while poorer individuals were seen as failures unable to compete effectively. Additionally, it reinforced racial stereotypes by framing certain races as more evolved or capable than others, fostering discrimination and justifying imperialist actions against those deemed 'less fit.'
• Analyze how Social Darwinism contributed to both imperialism and eugenics movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific justification for both imperialism and eugenics by framing them as natural extensions of survival of the fittest. Imperialists used these ideas to rationalize the colonization of 'weaker' nations, claiming they were bringing civilization to inferior peoples. Similarly, eugenics movements adopted Social Darwinist principles to argue for selective breeding practices aimed at improving society's genetic stock, often targeting marginalized groups under the guise of enhancing public health.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Social Darwinism on modern social policies and perceptions regarding inequality.
  • The long-term impacts of Social Darwinism on modern social policies include persistent attitudes toward individual responsibility for poverty and social issues. By promoting a belief in meritocracy where success is solely attributed to individual effort, it has contributed to resistance against welfare programs designed to address systemic inequalities. Furthermore, remnants of these ideologies can still be seen in debates around immigration, race relations, and health care access, as underlying assumptions about fitness and worthiness continue to shape perceptions of different social groups.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process in evolutionary biology where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, influencing the evolution of species.

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population through selective breeding and other reproductive interventions, often linked with Social Darwinism.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often justified by beliefs rooted in Social Darwinism.