What, in your own words, is Social Darwinism? How was it used to explain a variety of circumstances (e.g. economic and racial/ethnic) in the late 19th century? Do you hear any of the same sentiments echoed today? Evaluate the theory. Do you find it valid? Why or why not?
What I believe Social Darwinism to be is that individuals in society that are of a higher status will do better than those in a lower status overall. In other words, it means “survival of the fittest.” Those individuals that find themselves placed in the higher status will do better in general than those that fall in the lower status. Individuals in the higher ranks of life, as defined by how society’s judge prized individuals, will do better and provide more to society than those who are lower or less fortunate. Social Darwinism believes lower status individuals will eventually die out.
This theory, derived from Charles Darwin, has been used to explain various circumstances. In the realm of the economy, Social Darwinism has been applied to the idea that the role of a male individual is to provide for himself and his family. A simpler version of this theory is that you are supposed to provide for your family unit. You are not obligated to take care of individuals that cannot provide for themselves such as people with disabilities or former enslaved African Americans. This theory has also been interpreted to mean that for racial or ethnic purposes, that individuals with lighter skin can provide better for themselves and their families, than those of a darker skin tone. The application of Social Darwinism implies that a higher chance of obtaining work exists for individuals with lighter skin than formerly enslaved African Americans.
Unfortunately, to some degree, the theory of Social Darwinism is still being applied today in some areas of society. For instance, statistically speaking, many people still believe that individuals with lighter skin tend to earn more annually than those with darker skin tones. However, this belief is becoming less popular as more businesses focus on productivity rather than historic racial differences. Today, any person with the proper credentials and skills to perform the essential functions of a job has the same opportunity to apply and be hired regardless of the color or tone of their skin. Although it has gotten better, the financial sector is still experiencing discrepancies between those of privilege (old money), those with acquired wealth (new money), and those without wealth. There are however, programs that seek to equalize and help those that are experiencing hard times. A trend that currently seems to be increasingly more popular as our economy remains unstable.
At the time the theory of Social Darwinism was applied to society, it seemed to be valid with the understanding of the world mindset. The people of the 19th century had been ingrained with the theory that white was right and everything else was wrong, so the theory fit the racial or ethnic beliefs. From an economic standpoint, the theory was also valid because those with lighter skin could find more work options that allowed them to obtain more wealth. These individuals with wealth tended only to provide for themselves and their family and not to care for those who could not manage their own lives. In addition, at the time these individuals did not believe in social welfare or for providing for those who could not provide for themselves. Rather they chose to believe that these individuals were inferior and should not survive. Especially if their condition in life could be associated with laziness or the unwillingness to work and provide for their family as was their duty.
