Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a sociological theory that applies Charles Darwin's ideas of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human society. It suggests that individuals and groups achieve success based on their inherent abilities, often justifying social inequalities and imperialism as a natural order. This concept influenced various movements and ideologies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the justification for class stratification and racial superiority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism gained popularity in the late 19th century as industrialization led to rapid social changes and inequalities.
2. This theory was often used to justify colonial expansion, suggesting that stronger nations had a right to conquer weaker ones.
3. Critics of social Darwinism pointed out its misuse of biological concepts to rationalize discrimination and inequality.
4. Key figures associated with social Darwinism include Herbert Spencer, who coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' in relation to social issues.
5. Social Darwinism declined in influence after World War II as awareness of human rights and the dangers of eugenics and racial superiority grew.

Review Questions

• How did social Darwinism influence societal attitudes towards class structure during the 19th century?
  • Social Darwinism shaped societal views by promoting the idea that social hierarchies reflected natural selection, where the 'fittest' individuals naturally rose to the top. This led many to believe that poverty and inequality were signs of inherent weaknesses in certain groups rather than systemic issues. The belief reinforced the status quo, discouraging efforts towards social reform and promoting a culture of individualism that prioritized competition over cooperation.
• In what ways did social Darwinism provide justification for imperialistic policies in the 19th century?
  • Social Darwinism provided a framework for justifying imperialistic policies by arguing that stronger nations were entitled to dominate weaker ones as part of a natural order. Proponents believed that it was their duty to civilize 'lesser' societies, equating territorial expansion with moral superiority. This rationale was used by colonial powers to legitimize exploitation and control over vast regions of Africa and Asia, framing it as a benevolent mission rather than an act of aggression.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of social Darwinism on modern societal beliefs about race and inequality.
  • The long-term impacts of social Darwinism have been profound, particularly in shaping racist ideologies and practices throughout the 20th century. Ideas rooted in social Darwinism contributed to discriminatory policies such as eugenics, segregation, and even genocide during events like the Holocaust. While these beliefs have been widely discredited, remnants still exist in discussions about meritocracy and socio-economic status today, showing how historical ideologies can persist and evolve within contemporary society.

Related terms

Natural Selection: A biological process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, forming the basis for evolutionary theory.

Eugenics: A controversial movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding and sterilization, often linked to social Darwinist principles.

Imperialism:

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often justified through social Darwinist beliefs about superiority.