Social Darwinism is a held theory that states that the strongest and the fittest are the definite survivors over the weak and eventually flourish in their society- in reference to human beings. This theory was strongly held in England in the late Victorian times.
Origin of the Social Darwinism Theory.
The term arises in the late 19th century, that is, in the Victorian times (in England), to give meaning to the notion that the human species, just like fauna and flora, strive for existence whereby natural selection works under the rule that only the strong take advantage and survive in the society whereas the weak counterparts continue to weaken and eventually die out legally. This base is actually drawn from Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which put up the idea that in nature; only the organisms with stronger mechanisms outdo their competitors and hence continue to survive while their weaker counterparts perish and eventually die out. They laid their conclusion on this foundation, and still later, the supporters derived from this theory
Social change as observed in post Social Darwinism.
During this specific period, that is the period when there was a heated debate of Social Darwinism. America was undergoing drastic changes in its society. There were restructured changes on the criteria used in marriages whereby the idea of mutual feelings and attraction popped in to replace the formally arranged methods of carrying out marriages (Charles 2006).
The Essay on On Social Theory In Social Work
We know where we have been, where we are now and where we need to go – but how do we get there? A map. Theory is a map. It notes any number of known landmarks (previously achieved or applied solutions) and obstacles (issues or problems) and gives us direction so that we are able to navigate intelligently and arrive safely (minimal discomfort to all) at our destination (desired outcome/s). ...
There were social changes too even as Far East as in Korea and Japan. One of these is the adoption of Buddhist beliefs to the Social Darwinism view. Because its initial impact on Korea elite was long lasting up to these modern times, still some supporters strongly hold these beliefs and pass them down to generation after generation implying that this theory will still be influential In future.
Influence of Social Darwinism theory.
By the end of the 19th century, some of the supporters of struggle school of sociology developed another strain. Among them was a journalist from England who describes social evolution of social groups into nations as being the result of a success in conflict with others, which seemed to give justification to imperialistic nations in the late 19th century.
Countries in the Far East Asia, such as Japan and Korea were not spared by the influence of this theory. These cases include the one felt at the Buddhist religion that saw adoption of its beliefs to fit into the theory of social Darwinism.
In the 20th century, Social Darwinism focus moved from the genetic view and new ideas emerged from an anthropological point of view (Nandini 2001).
During this period, two American anthropologists showed that humans can be distinguished from other animals by culture. These scientists (Franz Boaz and Margaret Mead) gave their opinions that that both understated the theory of Social Darwinism. Again in the course of this period another strongly held genetic idea, Eugenetics (which was highly practiced by a Nazi Dictator, Adolf Hitler) was demerited, due to a better understanding of genetics, by him. He had used the idea to create a “super race” and during the Second World War, he killed millions of Jews, Gypsies and other groups by consideration of inferiority to his ‘Aryan race’.
How the theory affected the United States.
This theory actually has had very adverse effects in the American society in a variety of ways. To start, American scientists (some) emphasized this theory as their foundation for their academic researches. Some criteria of calculation derived by these scientists in relation to the testing human I.Q (Intelligence Quotient) were factually based on this theory.
The Essay on Latin American Influences on America
Latin America Latin America affects Florida, the Southwest and California in many ways. Three of the most obvious are food, holidays, and the people. These influences are mainly for the good though some can have negative influence as well. The food found in the Southwest is very similar to that of Latin America. Though some of the foods and restaurants aren't exactly the same or as good, they ...
The second equally pronounced effect of this theory is the creation of eugenically designed programs which led to sterilization without choice of thousands of mentally challenged and retarded Americans.
Theory of social Darwinism extremely affected the political, social and economical dimensions of governance in the United States. Changes penetrated every sector and dominance begun to stand out as America’s hunger for power became more pronounced. Resulting from this hunger, America spread out its arms in search of a control mechanism that could enable it to control many activities in the world. Because there a ‘rose resistance from the competitors and their allies, a world war emerged that was felt all over the whole world. Since then there has been a struggle for the United States to maintain its position in the world- ‘the world superpower.’ These issues continue to be persistent to even as of this writing that the U.S to a greater hand still seeks to regulate defined standards of international security by, for example strictly following up of the feared nuclear activities and currently, it is eyeing Iran.
The issues of security have been of greatly given priority by the American governments through the years and it has become like a tradition (Pinker 2002).
Another way this theory affected America is by inflicting discrimination because of class or racial backgrounds. This kind of social division where one is classified according to the kind of working class he befits has continued up to the present day. Discrimination is still defined in many Americans’ minds based on Religion, race and financial background. In America too, like in most other countries, there is still consideration of ones race and religion whereby even in recent propaganda cases, one might not be an eligible candidate to the people of America if he/she belongs to some religion. This clearly demonstrates that a candidate from a preferred religion will have a definite advantage over his considered weaker opponent and survive public criticism a case I consider as that of natural selection
Criticisms and controversies arising from the theory of Social Darwinism.
Although Charles Darwin may have gained support from some few Britons like Herbert Spenser, many of those who criticized his work however felt that it was inhuman to put to justice such a cruel policy either at home or abroad. This is because this policy, that even the human race followed the principle of survival for the fittest, deployed a self-predatory approach to human beings as well. Many people still feel that the concept of social Darwinism provides a naturalistic logical explanation on the rationalization behind racial, imperialistic and capitalistic approaches in the society. It has therefore been considered in negative terms by many because they consider it a denial of social responsibility and human compassion. Although Spenser’s theories and his ideas about the whole concept of evolution and the mode of operation in the society were connected to his beliefs in laissez-fair government, he was considered unable to intervene and come up against imperialistic approaches (Dennis, 1995).
The Essay on Self In The Social World
1. Intro: (210) This paper will begin by defining the concept of the self in the social world. It will go into a detailed explanation of what parts are included and how each part is influenced. From there this paper will discuss self-concept, self-esteem and self-efficacy in application to my everyday life. Finally two social experiences that affected my personal devilment; followed by a detailed ...
References
Charles H. L. (2006).Exploring Social Change: America and the World, 5th Ed.
Dennis R.M, (1995), the summer Social Darwinism, scientific racism,
and the metaphysics of race.
Nandini G (2001) .The government and politic of the metropolitan Poor in the Twentieth-Century, India. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 420.
Pinker S (2002) .The vacant schedule: the contemporary rejection of human nature London: Allen Lane
