Social darwinism facts for kids
Social darwinism describes how Darwin's theory of evolution can be used to understand human society.
Social Darwinists believe that the strong should see their wealth and power increase, while the weak should see their wealth and power decrease.
Despite the fact that social Darwinism bears Charles Darwin's name, it is primarily linked today with others, notably Herbert Spencer, Thomas Malthus, and Francis Galton, the founder of eugenics.
The term "social Darwinism" first appeared in Europe in 1880, and journalist Emilie Gautier had coined the term with reference to a health conference in Berlin 1877. Around 1900 it was used by sociologists, some being opposed to the concept. The American historian Richard Hofstadter popularized the term in the United States in 1944.
Social Darwinism declined in popularity following World War I, partially due to its association with Nazism. References to social Darwinism since have usually been pejorative.
Images for kids
-
Alfred Rosenberg
See also
In Spanish: Darwinismo social para niños
