Social darwinism

Definition

Social darwinism is a social theory that applies Charles Darwin's ideas of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies, often justifying imperialism, colonialism, and social inequality. This concept emerged in the late 19th century, promoting the belief that certain groups or nations were superior to others, thereby rationalizing expansionist policies and cultural domination under the guise of a 'civilizing mission.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social darwinism gained traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among European powers justifying their imperialist actions in Africa and Asia.
2. Proponents of social darwinism argued that stronger nations had a right to conquer weaker ones, framing this as a natural and beneficial process.
3. The theory often intersected with racist ideologies, leading to discriminatory policies and practices that marginalized certain ethnic groups.
4. Critics of social darwinism have pointed out its misuse of Darwin's scientific theories, arguing that it lacks a basis in actual biological principles.
5. Social darwinism played a significant role in shaping nationalist movements, as nations sought to assert their dominance based on perceived superiority.

Review Questions

• How did social darwinism influence the ideologies behind imperial nationalism during the late 19th century?
  • Social darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific justification for imperial nationalism by promoting the idea that stronger nations were naturally entitled to dominate weaker ones. This belief allowed colonial powers to rationalize their expansion into territories they considered 'backward' or 'uncivilized,' framing their actions as part of a benevolent 'civilizing mission.' In this context, imperialist actions were seen as not only justified but necessary for the progress of humanity.
• Discuss the relationship between social darwinism and the justification of colonial policies throughout history.
  • Social darwinism heavily influenced colonial policies by legitimizing the exploitation of colonized peoples under the belief that it was a natural outcome of competition between races and nations. Colonial powers often portrayed their dominance as a moral obligation to uplift inferior societies, leading to oppressive practices. This created a framework where brutal conquests and exploitative economic practices were seen as acceptable due to the supposed superiority of the colonizers.
• Evaluate how social darwinism intersects with different types of nationalism, particularly ethnic and civic nationalism.
  • Social darwinism intersects with ethnic nationalism by reinforcing notions of racial superiority, where certain ethnic groups claim dominance over others based on perceived biological differences. This can lead to exclusionary practices that favor one group over another. In contrast, civic nationalism may reject these ideas by promoting inclusion based on citizenship rather than ethnicity. However, even civic nationalism can be influenced by social darwinist principles if it adopts beliefs about national superiority that exclude others from the national identity.

Related terms

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often justified by ideologies like social darwinism.

Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture, which can lead to viewing other groups as inferior.

Civilizing Mission: The idea that Western powers had a duty to bring civilization, culture, and religion to what they perceived as 'less developed' societies.