How Do You Spell SOCIAL DARWINISM?
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l dˈɑːwɪnˌɪzəm] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l dˈɑːwɪnˌɪzəm] (IPA)
Social Darwinism is a sociopolitical philosophy that emerged in the late 19th century and is rooted in the principles of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It posits that society and human interactions should be interpreted through the lens of natural selection, survival of the fittest, and the notion of "survival of the strongest." Often seen as an oversimplification of Darwin's ideas, it suggests that the struggle for existence is not only applicable to the natural realm but also extends to the social, economic, and political spheres.
According to social Darwinists, human societies should function in a competitive manner, allowing the strongest individuals, groups, or nations to thrive while the weak should be left to perish. They argue that this natural order promotes progress and leads to social and economic improvement by weeding out the less fit members of society.
Social Darwinism has been widely debated and criticized due to its justification of inequalities, discrimination, and oppression. Critics argue that this ideology disregards the importance of compassion, morality, and the role of society in providing support and equal opportunities. Moreover, it has been used to legitimize and perpetuate various forms of discrimination such as racism, colonialism, and class hierarchy.
While the concept of social Darwinism remains influential in some spheres, especially in the early development of sociology and economics, it is generally regarded as a flawed and discredited theory that oversimplifies complex social dynamics and disregards the ethical implications of natural selection applied to human societies.
The term "social Darwinism" was coined in the late 19th century and is attributed to the American sociologist and historian, Lester Frank Ward. However, it was later popularized by British writer and biologist Thomas Henry Huxley, who is known as "Darwin's Bulldog" for his staunch defense and promotion of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The term itself is a combination of "social" and "Darwinism".
The word "social" refers to society or the collective, encompassing individuals and their interactions within a group. "Darwinism" refers to the theory of biological evolution proposed by Charles Darwin in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. Darwin's theory emphasized the concept of natural selection, suggesting that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the perpetuation of those beneficial traits in subsequent generations.
