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Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism. Success of Big Business dependent upon…. Exploiting workers Ruthlessly driving competitors out of business Pro-business government policies. HOW WERE THESE ACTIONS JUSTIFIED!?. SOCIAL DARWINISM!. Social Darwinism - a scientific theory that was later applied to society…

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Social Darwinism

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  1. Social Darwinism

  2. Success of Big Business dependent upon… Exploiting workers Ruthlessly driving competitors out of business Pro-business government policies

  3. HOW WERE THESE ACTIONS JUSTIFIED!? SOCIAL DARWINISM!

  4. Social Darwinism - a scientific theory that was later applied to society… First- the science.

  5. Charles Darwin, Scientist (1809-1882) • Developed the Theory of Evolution • Based on the Law of Natural Selection • applied theory to plant and animal kingdoms • the strong survive and the weak perish • those who survive, pass favorable traits on to their young

  6. Darwin’s Ideas Were Eventually Applied to Society and Humans in the late 1800s… … used to explain the evolution of society – and business too.

  7. Herbert Spencer ~ Sociologist • Concentrated on competition and who has the upper-hand in society • 1st to coin term “Survival of the Fittest” • Used to describe the outcome of competition between social groups • Gained support among U.S. intellectuals and businessmen

  8. Main Ideas of Social Darwinism Competition among humans is normal and natural; produces a better human being; and, produces a better society therefore…

  9. Competition should not be restricted by the government • Gave scientific support to the idea of laissez-faire • All methods are acceptable in the struggle to gain wealth (i.e. be the ‘fittest’) • Cutthroat competition practices • Cheating consumers • Abuse of labor • Exploitation of environment

  10. Beliefs of Late 1800s Social Darwinists • Rich destined to be rich; poor to be poor • Failure in life due to laziness, lack of ability and intelligence, etc. • If you’re responsible and you work hard to improve yourself you will succeed • Opposed government cures to social ills • aiding the poor; child labor laws; free public education; environmental protection • Segregation based on race acceptable • Blacks and Native Americans “inferior”

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