Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a social theory that applies the concept of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. This theory emerged in the late 19th century, as thinkers used Darwin's ideas to justify social hierarchies, imperialism, and economic competition. While Charles Darwin himself did not endorse these views, the misapplication of his theories contributed to harmful ideologies about race, class, and human progress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism gained popularity in the late 19th century and influenced various fields, including politics, economics, and sociology.
2. Proponents of Social Darwinism believed that social progress resulted from competition among individuals and groups, leading to the survival of those deemed 'superior'.
3. The theory was often used to justify colonial expansion, as imperial powers argued they were bringing 'civilization' to supposedly 'lesser' societies.
4. Critics of Social Darwinism pointed out that it distorted Darwin's scientific principles and promoted inequality and discrimination.
5. Key figures associated with Social Darwinism include Herbert Spencer, who coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and applied it to social contexts.

Review Questions

• How did Social Darwinism misinterpret Charles Darwin's theories and apply them to human societies?
  • Social Darwinism misinterpreted Charles Darwin's theories by taking the biological concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest and applying them to social contexts without scientific basis. While Darwin focused on the evolution of species in nature, Social Darwinists extended these ideas to justify social hierarchies, claiming that some races or classes were inherently superior. This distortion led to harmful ideologies that promoted discrimination and inequality based on unfounded notions of superiority.
• Discuss the impact of Social Darwinism on imperialist policies during the late 19th century.
  • Social Darwinism significantly influenced imperialist policies by providing a pseudo-scientific rationale for colonization and domination of other nations. Imperial powers used Social Darwinist ideas to claim that they were destined to rule over 'weaker' societies as a form of progress. This justification not only fueled expansionist ambitions but also dehumanized colonized peoples, framing them as obstacles in the 'natural' progression of civilization.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Social Darwinism on modern social policies and attitudes toward race and class.
  • The long-term consequences of Social Darwinism have been profound, as its ideas continued to influence attitudes toward race and class well into the 20th century. The eugenics movement drew heavily on Social Darwinist principles, advocating for policies that aimed to control reproduction among certain populations deemed 'unfit.' Additionally, the legacy of Social Darwinism can still be seen today in ongoing debates about social inequality, meritocracy, and systemic discrimination, as many contemporary issues can be traced back to these misapplied evolutionary concepts.

Related terms

Natural Selection:

The process through which species evolve as individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully than others.

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of human populations through selective breeding and other means, often associated with Social Darwinism.

Imperialism: The policy or ideology of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often justified by Social Darwinist arguments.