Social Darwinism (1865 - 1900s)

Definition & Context

• Social Darwinism used to promote competition among individuals and groups.
• Opposed intervention in the natural human order, emphasizing human struggle for existence.
• Influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection (survival of the fittest).

Political and Social Implications

• Advocated for laissez-faire capitalism, political conservatism, imperialism, and racism.
• Discouraged reforms and governmental intervention in social issues.
• Belief that wealth and social status stem from evolved personal characteristics.

Key Figures

• Herbert Spencer:

  • Argued against social programs aiding the poor.
  • Believed in the natural order of competition; the "fit" survive.

• William Graham Sumner:

  • Liberal social scientist supporting Spencer's views.
  • Asserted that the most capable (talent, brains, hard work) rise to the top.

• Andrew Carnegie:

  • Applied Darwin's ideas to society, advocated for a free market without government interference.
  • Embodied the rags-to-riches narrative, owner of Carnegie Steel Company.
  • Believed in the survival of the fittest in economic terms.

• Other Influential Figures:

  • J.P. Morgan: Financier who supported social Darwinism.
  • John D. Rockefeller: Founder of Standard Oil, viewed business growth as survival of the fittest.
  • Cornelius Vanderbilt: Built wealth through ferry services, exemplified the principles of social Darwinism.

Core Beliefs of Social Darwinists

• Weaker members of species should naturally die off, only stronger genes survive.
• Applied this belief to humans, opposing government aid and regulation (e.g., child labor laws).
• Social Darwinists viewed their wealth and power as evidence of superiority in evolution.

Summary

• Social Darwinists believed that their success was a result of being superior beings in the evolution process.
• The ideology led to widespread opposition against social reforms designed to help the less fortunate.