SOCIAL DARWINISM
- Application of Charles Darwin’s scientific theories of evolution and natural selection to society.
o Argued that in nature, only the fittest survived.
o Argued that society and market place should likewise be ruled by the survival of the fittest.
- Adapted by many American businessmen as “scientific proof” of their superiority over the masses.
o Used as an argument against paying higher wages.
o Poor were poor because they were less able to adapt and survive.
- Leading proponents of Social Darwinism include:
o Herbert Spencer English social philosopher.
§ Applied Darwinism to human development, arguing that wealth and power showed signs of fitness and that manking benefited from intense competition and the removal of the weak form society and the business world.
· Popular among America’s rich capitalists and his ideas influenced an entire generation rich and poor.
o William Graham Sumner who argued that “millionaires are the products of natural selection”
§ Argued an extreme laissez faire position arguing that the government had absolutely no role in the economy’s functions, and that all forms of social reform by government were misguided.
- Social Darwinists believed that charity aimed at helping poor encouraged poor to breedi¸which resulted in even more poor people, resulting in a weaker, less competitive society.
GOSPEL OF WEALTH
- Promoted by many successful business that their massive wealth was well deserved and a social benefit for all.
o Softer, more palatable version of Social Darwinism.
o Argued that those w/ great material possessions had equally great obligations to society.
- Believed that money well deserved, had earned it fair according to Social Darwsinism, but also believed had obligation to donate, after they’ve spent it all on their own stuff.
- Andrew Carnegie published The Gospel of Wealth which argued that accumulation of wealth was beneficial to society.
o That government should take no action to impede it.
o Would spend to fund more than 2,800 libraries
o “The man who dies rich dies disgraced”
SOCIAL GOSPEL
- Were in general Protestant clergymen who objected to harsh realities of 19th cent capitalism.
o Sough to highlight role of man being his “brother’s keeper”.
- Leading advocates:
o Washington Gladden, minister who criticized the excessive competition that accompanied capitalistic ventures.
- Denounced many of Rockefeller’s business practices.
o Walter Rauschenbusch ministered among German immigrant communities in NYC.
- Witnessed first hand poverty during 1890s depression.
- Convinced unrestrained capitalism root cause of poverty.
- Urged government action to accomplish social reforms and refused to hold poor responsible.
o Implemented various reforms to help poor people.
o Included the creation of settlement houses.
- Housing and vocational training for urban poor, many whom were recent immigrants.
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