Survival of the Fittest

Definition

Survival of the Fittest is a phrase often associated with Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, which suggests that organisms best adapted to their environments are more likely to survive and reproduce. This concept has been misapplied in social contexts to justify social inequalities and imperialism, where the idea of 'fittest' is often linked to superiority based on race, class, or nationality, influencing societal views during industrialization and imperial expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'Survival of the Fittest' was coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer and later associated with Darwin's ideas on evolution.
2. Social Darwinism misapplies Darwin’s biological concepts to justify social hierarchies and imperialist policies, promoting the idea that certain races or classes are inherently superior.
3. During the industrial revolution, Social Darwinism was used to rationalize the exploitation of workers, suggesting that those who were successful were simply 'fitter' than those who were not.
4. The application of Survival of the Fittest in imperial contexts provided a moral justification for colonization, with imperial powers claiming they were helping 'less fit' societies evolve.
5. Critics argue that Social Darwinism led to harmful ideologies, including eugenics and racial discrimination, impacting social policies in various countries.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Survival of the Fittest relate to the justification for imperialism during the 19th century?
  • Survival of the Fittest provided a rationale for imperialism by suggesting that powerful nations were simply more 'fit' to rule over weaker ones. Imperialists claimed that they were bringing civilization and progress to supposedly inferior cultures, which they believed were incapable of self-governance. This ideology not only justified colonial expansion but also led to the oppression of indigenous populations under the guise of promoting their development.
• In what ways did Social Darwinism influence social policies during industrialization?
  • Social Darwinism shaped social policies by reinforcing class divisions and justifying harsh labor conditions during industrialization. The belief that success was a result of being 'fit' meant that wealthy industrialists could rationalize their exploitation of workers. This created an environment where economic inequality was seen as a natural outcome, leading to limited government intervention in labor rights and welfare reforms.
• Evaluate the implications of applying the concept of Survival of the Fittest to societal structures in relation to both ethical considerations and historical outcomes.
  • Applying Survival of the Fittest to societal structures raised significant ethical concerns as it promoted harmful ideologies like eugenics and racial superiority. This misuse led to systematic discrimination against marginalized groups and justified violent imperial conquests. Historically, such ideologies resulted in devastating consequences, including genocides and widespread human rights abuses, showing how a misinterpretation of biological concepts can have profound and negative impacts on society.

Related terms

Natural Selection:

A biological process proposed by Darwin where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to future generations.

Social Darwinism:

A social theory that applies the concept of natural selection to human societies, often used to justify political conservatism, imperialism, and racism.

Imperialism:

The policy or ideology of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.