Question

To what does the term "Social Darwinism" refer? Did Social Darwinism lead to imperial domination of Africa, India, and China in the late 19th century or was the concept used merely to justify National ambitions that were already present? Should Darwin himself be held responsible for the consequences? For the translation of evolutionary theory into social evolution and ethnic superiority?

Answer 1

Social Darwinism closely echoes the views of Charles Darwin’s concept, ‘survival of the fittest’. This means those that are majority, those that are strong and those that are powerful would rule the land and the rest would be oppressed and dominated by them. This concept echoes the racial and ethnic segregation in America where discrimination was justified and propagated. For Darwin the path was not very important but the end was very clear to withstand the struggles in life and stay alive amidst the changing environment and threatening situations. Thus it propagated the white superiority and justified slavery in all means. Charles Darwin was merely a scientist who advance the evolutionary theory and suggested the theory of natural selection. He never exclusively argued for slavery or social inequalities, so he can’t be blamed. It was just part of the white supremacy agenda.

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