Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a social theory that emerged in the late 19th century, which applies the concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies and social structures. This ideology was used to justify social inequality, imperialism, and racism, suggesting that certain groups or individuals were inherently superior due to their evolutionary success. The connection to artistic movements like naturalism reflects the belief that human behavior and societal development are influenced by biological and environmental factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism gained popularity during the late 19th century, particularly in the context of industrialization and colonial expansion, as it provided a rationale for social hierarchy and inequality.
2. Many proponents of social Darwinism argued that economic competition among individuals mirrored natural selection, asserting that those who were successful in business were naturally superior.
3. The theory was often used to justify imperialistic policies, suggesting that Western nations had a duty to civilize 'lesser' cultures based on perceived superiority.
4. Critics of social Darwinism highlighted its role in legitimizing racist ideologies and oppressive policies, including segregation and discrimination against various racial and ethnic groups.
5. The ideas of social Darwinism influenced various fields, including sociology, anthropology, and political science, contributing to the development of theories around social structure and change.

Review Questions

• How did Social Darwinism shape societal views during the late 19th century, particularly in relation to class and race?
  • Social Darwinism significantly influenced societal views by promoting the idea that some races and social classes were naturally superior to others. This belief allowed for the justification of economic disparities and social hierarchies, as it suggested that those at the top had 'survived' due to their inherent superiority. Consequently, these views also fueled racist ideologies and led to discriminatory practices against marginalized groups, all under the guise of natural selection.
• In what ways did August Strindberg's work reflect or challenge Social Darwinist ideas?
  • August Strindberg's plays often showcased characters grappling with their circumstances shaped by heredity and environment, which aligns with Social Darwinist notions. However, Strindberg also challenged these ideas by presenting complex human emotions and psychological struggles that defy simplistic interpretations of survival of the fittest. His exploration of class conflict and individual agency complicates the deterministic aspects of Social Darwinism while highlighting the impact of societal structures on personal destinies.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of Social Darwinism on contemporary society and how it relates to modern debates about inequality.
  • The lasting impacts of Social Darwinism can still be seen in contemporary discussions surrounding inequality, particularly in how society views success and failure among different groups. While overtly racist interpretations have been widely discredited, echoes of social Darwinist thinking persist in attitudes toward poverty, education access, and healthcare disparities. By analyzing these ongoing issues through a critical lens informed by historical perspectives on Social Darwinism, modern debates can better address systemic inequalities rather than attributing them solely to individual capabilities.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary and theatrical movement that sought to depict life accurately and realistically, often emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Survival of the Fittest: A phrase often associated with Charles Darwin, which describes the process by which individuals or groups best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Eugenics: A controversial movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a human population through selective breeding and sterilization, heavily influenced by social Darwinist ideas.