Question

In debates over current political and social issues, which arguments and ideas are most compatible with social Darwinism? Which current ideas are most at odds with social Darwinism?

Answer 1

Social Darwinism was a concept that was proposed by Herbert Spencer. As per this concept a society that is more dominant in character will survive while others (inferior) will perish. Social factors such as Imperialism, Capitalism, Racism, etc are seen to arise as a result of social Darwinism. Eugenics sterilization which happened in the United States that allowed only those types of human beings who were superior in character to reproduce while others were sterilized as to prevent the same is an excellent example of an argument in favor of Social Darwinism.

One of the current ideas today is various policies that are proposed and implemented by government belonging to several countries as to help address the issues of the poor who live below the poverty line as to enable them to come out of the same and enjoy an enhanced quality of life like any other middle-class man. Today we live in an era where all human beings and classes are given equal importance and various opportunities are created by the government to help the poor in overcoming their issues with the quality of life. I would like to conclude that Social Darwinism is a concept which shall never be promoted as the brilliant concept of the survival of the fittest put forward by the legendary Charles Darwin is wrongly interpreted by people in the field of sociology, economics, and politics for the benefit of their own or for the benefit of group they are working for.