key term - Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a sociological theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to human societies. This ideology suggests that individuals or groups achieve success due to inherent superiority and justifies social inequalities by framing them as natural outcomes of competition. Social Darwinism has influenced various social policies and attitudes, particularly in the context of Naturalism, where it reinforces themes of determinism and the struggle for survival against societal and environmental forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism emerged in the late 19th century as a way to justify social hierarchies and imperialistic policies by claiming they were a natural part of human progress.
2. Key figures associated with Social Darwinism include Herbert Spencer, who coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and applied it to social contexts.
3. The ideology often led to negative consequences, including racism and xenophobia, as it was used to rationalize discrimination against certain groups seen as 'weaker'.
4. In literature and art, Social Darwinism can be seen as influencing characters and themes that embody struggle, survival, and the impact of environment on human behavior.
5. Critics of Social Darwinism argue that it misapplies biological concepts to complex social issues and ignores the role of cooperation and altruism in human societies.

Review Questions

• How does Social Darwinism reflect the principles of Naturalism in literature?
  • Social Darwinism reflects Naturalism by emphasizing determinism and the idea that human beings are shaped by their environment and heredity. In Naturalist literature, characters often face harsh realities and struggle against societal forces beyond their control, mirroring the Social Darwinist belief that those who are 'fittest' will succeed. This perspective highlights the bleakness of life where individuals must navigate not only personal challenges but also systemic inequalities that influence their fate.
• Discuss the ethical implications of Social Darwinism in society and its impact on social policies during its prominence.
  • The ethical implications of Social Darwinism are significant, as it promoted a worldview where inequality was seen as justified or even beneficial for societal progress. This led to harmful social policies such as eugenics and discriminatory practices against marginalized groups. By framing social hierarchies as natural outcomes of competition, Social Darwinism undermined efforts for social justice and equality, causing long-lasting repercussions on societal attitudes towards race, class, and disability.
• Evaluate the legacy of Social Darwinism in contemporary discussions about genetics, sociology, and public policy.
  • The legacy of Social Darwinism continues to influence contemporary discussions about genetics, sociology, and public policy by raising questions about how we define success and merit in society. Issues surrounding genetic engineering, welfare reform, and social justice echo the debates sparked by Social Darwinist thought. As modern society grapples with these complex issues, it becomes crucial to reflect on past ideologies that have shaped our understanding of human behavior and societal structures while ensuring that ethical considerations guide current policies.

Related terms

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

Determinism:

The philosophical idea that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws, which is a central theme in Naturalism.

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population, often associated with social Darwinist ideas, leading to controversial policies in the early 20th century.