Social Darwinism

Definition

Social Darwinism is a sociological theory that emerged in the late 19th century, which applies Charles Darwin's principles of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. This concept was often used to justify imperialism, colonization, and social inequality, arguing that certain races or nations were superior and destined to dominate others. It provided a pseudo-scientific rationale for the expansionist policies of powerful nations during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social Darwinism gained traction in the United States during the late 1800s, as industrialization and urbanization raised questions about social inequality.
2. The theory was used by proponents of imperialism to justify the subjugation of non-Western peoples, arguing it was a natural outcome of racial superiority.
3. Key figures such as Herbert Spencer popularized Social Darwinism, coining the phrase 'survival of the fittest' to explain social progress.
4. Critics of Social Darwinism highlighted its flawed logic and moral implications, arguing it ignored the role of environment and society in shaping individuals.
5. The decline of Social Darwinism in the early 20th century was influenced by the rise of more humanitarian and egalitarian movements that challenged its validity.

Review Questions

• How did Social Darwinism influence American attitudes toward imperialism and expansionism during the late 19th century?
  • Social Darwinism played a significant role in shaping American attitudes toward imperialism by providing a justification for expansionist policies. Supporters argued that it was natural for stronger nations to dominate weaker ones, seeing this as part of an evolutionary process. This ideology helped to rationalize the U.S. annexation of territories and involvement in conflicts abroad, with an underlying belief that Americans were superior and had a duty to civilize 'lesser' societies.
• Evaluate how Social Darwinism reflected broader societal attitudes regarding race and class in the context of American expansionism.
  • Social Darwinism mirrored prevailing societal attitudes about race and class by promoting notions of racial superiority and hierarchy. It justified discriminatory practices and reinforced social divisions, suggesting that those who were wealthy or from certain ethnic backgrounds were inherently more 'fit' for survival. This belief system contributed to policies that marginalized certain groups while elevating others, influencing debates on immigration, labor rights, and civil rights during the period of American expansion.
• Critically analyze the impact of Social Darwinism on policy decisions related to American foreign relations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The impact of Social Darwinism on American foreign policy was profound, as it influenced decision-making regarding territorial expansion and international relations. By framing imperialistic actions as a natural and necessary process, policymakers justified interventions in countries like the Philippines and Puerto Rico under the guise of civilizing missions. However, this also led to significant ethical dilemmas and resistance both domestically and internationally, ultimately prompting a reevaluation of such policies as humanitarian considerations gained prominence in political discourse.

Related terms

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

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

Eugenics: A movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a human population, often associated with the application of social Darwinist ideas to justify sterilization and discrimination.