Social Darwinism was the idea that individuals and groups in society are subject to the same laws of natural selection as plants and animals, thus justifying the unequal distribution of wealth and power as a result of survival of the fittest. It was used to justify colonialism, racism, and eugenics.
Naturalism challenged the idea of social Darwinism by highlighting that not all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed due to factors outside of their control, such as environment, genetics, and social circumstances. Naturalism emphasized the role of these external factors in shaping an individual's destiny, as opposed to social Darwinism's focus on innate superiority and survival of the fittest.
Business leaders supported social Darwinism because it justified their accumulation of wealth and power as a natural result of their superiority in society. It provided a rationale for their success and allowed them to reject government intervention in economic matters. Ultimately, social Darwinism reinforced the idea of survival of the fittest as a driving force in business and society.
The idea of social Darwinism would have likely appealed to the wealthy and powerful elite within society, as it provided a justification for their position and wealth by suggesting that they were the most "fit" to lead and succeed. It also resonated with those who believed in individualism and competition as driving forces in society.
Social Darwinism still exists in some forms in the US, particularly in discussions around policies related to welfare, healthcare, and social programs. The idea that only the fittest should survive and thrive can influence attitudes towards those who are vulnerable or in need of support. It is important to recognize the harmful impact of such beliefs and work towards creating a more equitable society.
The idea of social Darwinism was created by English philosopher Herbert Spencer and Yale professor William Graham Sumner by applying Darwin's theory of evolution to society as a whole. Social Darwinism is the theory that the fittest in the social order survive, just as the fittest in nature survive. According to this theory, the only reason that the rich are rich is because they were the most fit to become so, and if the laborers were fit to do the same then they would be rich as well. Reform Darwinism, created by Brown University Professor Lester Frank Ward, follows the idea that because humans are intelligent beings, we can affect natural selection. Contrasting the social Darwinism thought of "survival of the fittest," reform Darwinism argues that government and society should make as many people as possible "fit to survive." The main difference between the two schools of thought is that social Darwinists believe that however social hierarchy exists, it is solely because the "fittest" rose to the top, reform Darwinists believe that the whole of society should be given the opportunities and resources to be able to rise to the top, rather than just the wealthy being able to do so.
Business Leaders
Scientific racism
Social Darwinism is a idea that is similar to survival of the fittest. They used this idea to and divide preexisting areas or territories.
darwinism
Naturalism challenged the idea of social Darwinism by highlighting that not all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed due to factors outside of their control, such as environment, genetics, and social circumstances. Naturalism emphasized the role of these external factors in shaping an individual's destiny, as opposed to social Darwinism's focus on innate superiority and survival of the fittest.
There is some debate about Rudyard Kipling's views on social Darwinism. Some argue that his works may have reflected elements of social Darwinism, while others suggest that he critiqued the idea through his portrayal of characters and societies in his stories. Ultimately, it is not definitive whether Kipling was explicitly against or in favor of social Darwinism.
Business leaders supported social Darwinism because it justified their accumulation of wealth and power as a natural result of their superiority in society. It provided a rationale for their success and allowed them to reject government intervention in economic matters. Ultimately, social Darwinism reinforced the idea of survival of the fittest as a driving force in business and society.
Social Darwinism
A mix of Nationalism, Socialism and Social-Darwinism + the idea of a superior caucasian race.
A mix of Nationalism, Socialism and Social-Darwinism + the idea of a superior caucasian race.
Herbert Spencer
Manifest destiny and social Darwinism were used to justify horrible actions toward minority peoples during the 1800s. Manifest destiny was the idea that the US should expand westward, and was used to steal Native American lands. Social Darwinism was the idea that the lighter skinned people were, the better they were. It was used to justify institutional racism.