Social Darwinism was the belief that life and society are governed by a "survival of the fittest" mentality, where only the strongest and most capable individuals or groups succeed. Individualism, on the other hand, emphasizes the rights and autonomy of the individual over the collective good. While social Darwinism justifies inequality and competition as natural and beneficial, individualism values personal freedom and self-reliance.
The idea of social Darwinism would have likely appealed to the wealthy and powerful elite within society, as it provided a justification for their position and wealth by suggesting that they were the most "fit" to lead and succeed. It also resonated with those who believed in individualism and competition as driving forces in society.
Social Darwinism encouraged traits such as competition, individualism, and the belief in survival of the fittest. It promoted the idea that success and wealth were signs of superior abilities and justified inequalities in society.
Business Leaders
Social Darwinism is a idea that is similar to survival of the fittest. They used this idea to and divide preexisting areas or territories.
darwinism
Naturalism challenged the idea of social Darwinism by highlighting that not all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed due to factors outside of their control, such as environment, genetics, and social circumstances. Naturalism emphasized the role of these external factors in shaping an individual's destiny, as opposed to social Darwinism's focus on innate superiority and survival of the fittest.
There is some debate about Rudyard Kipling's views on social Darwinism. Some argue that his works may have reflected elements of social Darwinism, while others suggest that he critiqued the idea through his portrayal of characters and societies in his stories. Ultimately, it is not definitive whether Kipling was explicitly against or in favor of social Darwinism.
Jack London interpreted social Darwinism as a concept that justified the idea of "survival of the fittest" in society. He believed that those who were strong and capable would naturally rise to the top, while those who were weak would fall behind. London's writings often explored themes of individualism and the struggle for existence in a competitive world influenced by social Darwinist ideas.
Business leaders supported social Darwinism because it justified their accumulation of wealth and power as a natural result of their superiority in society. It provided a rationale for their success and allowed them to reject government intervention in economic matters. Ultimately, social Darwinism reinforced the idea of survival of the fittest as a driving force in business and society.
Social Darwinism
A mix of Nationalism, Socialism and Social-Darwinism + the idea of a superior caucasian race.
Herbert Spencer