Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a social theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' from Darwin's theory of evolution to human societies. It emerged in the late 19th century and was often used to justify imperialism, racism, and social inequality, suggesting that certain races or societies were naturally superior to others. This idea influenced many intellectual developments and scientific thinking during the period, impacting how imperialism was viewed and rationalized.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism was popularized by thinkers like Herbert Spencer, who coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and applied it to social issues.
2. The ideology was often used to justify European imperial expansion, suggesting that stronger nations had the right to conquer weaker ones.
3. Social Darwinists believed that social policies should favor those deemed 'superior,' leading to support for laissez-faire economics and opposition to welfare programs.
4. This concept contributed to widespread racism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reinforcing stereotypes about non-European peoples.
5. The application of Social Darwinism had significant effects on policies such as eugenics and immigration restrictions in various countries.

Review Questions

• How did Social Darwinism shape European views on imperialism during the late 19th century?
  • Social Darwinism played a significant role in shaping European views on imperialism by providing a pseudo-scientific justification for conquering other nations. Proponents argued that stronger nations were inherently superior and had a natural right to dominate weaker societies. This belief not only fueled the expansion of empires but also rationalized the exploitation and subjugation of colonized peoples as a means of spreading civilization.
• In what ways did Social Darwinism influence scientific and intellectual developments in Europe from 1815 to 1914?
  • Social Darwinism influenced scientific and intellectual developments by promoting ideas about race and society that were tied to evolutionary theory. Thinkers began to apply concepts like natural selection to human behavior, leading to discussions on social hierarchy based on perceived biological differences. This contributed to debates surrounding issues like eugenics, public health, and social policy, significantly impacting both academic thought and public attitudes.
• Evaluate the consequences of Social Darwinism on societal structures and policies in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The consequences of Social Darwinism on societal structures and policies were profound, fostering an environment where racial discrimination became more entrenched in European societies. Policies reflecting these beliefs led to practices such as eugenics, which sought to control reproduction among certain populations deemed 'undesirable.' Additionally, Social Darwinism affected immigration laws and welfare policies, creating barriers for marginalized groups while justifying social inequalities as natural outcomes of competition among races.

Related terms

Natural Selection:

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, a key concept in Darwin's theory of evolution.

Eugenics:

A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding, which gained popularity alongside Social Darwinism.

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often justified by Social Darwinist beliefs about racial superiority.