Reinterpreting Darwin's Theory

Darwin's theory of evolution has had implications beyond biology. It has been applied to social, political, and economic realms through a concept known as social Darwinism. The height of social Darwinism occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, though it is still evident in some political and economic positions today.

Social Darwinism holds that differences in power and socioeconomic status are justifiable because of differences in ability, largely due to biological differences. Life of humans in society is seen as a struggle for existence ruled by "survival of the fittest," a phrase coined by philosopher and scientist Herbert Spencer. This struggle allows society to evolve to be bigger and better.

Social implications: charity is an intervention in the natural order of things and should be discouraged. Political implications: government should be as noninterfering as possible in order to allow society to function naturally and evolve. "Laissez-faire", or hands-off, government is preferable.

Social Darwinism was also used as justification for imperialism, colonialism, and racism. Eugenics, the belief that the quality of the human race can be improved through genetics and controlled reproduction, was an offshoot of social Darwinism.