Social Darwinism

Definition of Social Darwinism

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Social Darwinism: A late nineteenth century social philosophy which unites an interest in social problems (eg: inequality) with an interpretation of Darwin’s work on the origin of species. Advocates argue that the central Darwinian principle of evolution, development and progress, is the survival of the fittest and extinction of the weakest. Applied to social affairs this implies that those who get ahead in society are the most fit and deserve their position. More importantly, perhaps, this perspective suggests that supporting those who fall behind ( by providing welfare, for example) interferes with the principles of evolution and obstructs social progress. Sociologists of course believe that social problems like inequality must be understood within a social and cultural context, rather than a context of biological competition.

Social Darwinism: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Social Darwinism. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada