Social Darwinism
Essays

Social Darwinism and the Gospel of Wealth

Social Darwinism is a controversial theory first expounded by Herbert Spencer. In many ways, social Darwinism is an elitist concept that justifies the morally corrupt decisions made by the rich and powerful.

Popular ideologies like Social Darwinism both reflected and created the reality of England, Germany and the United States in the 1890's. During that time, all three nations were economic and social powerhouses,…

Beginning with a discussion of Social Darwinism's inherent logical fallacy, this study examines whether or not wealthy industrialists of the nineteenth century actually practiced what Social Darwinism called for. By considering the history of the concept and its relation to capitalism, it becomes clear that not only did wealthy industrialists practice Social Darwinism, but that they embraced it precisely because it provided a justification for the unethical business practices they were already engaged in. They not only practiced what they preached, but preached what they practiced.