Reaction to Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism is the belief that there is a natural class system that places the strongest on top and the weakest on bottom. This belief is based on Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection among animals in nature. The species that can adapt to their environment and survive evolves while those who cannot inevitably die. The same way of thinking directly correlates with society of the Gilded Age.

Scholars, businessman, and modern-thinkers alike used Darwin’s theory to explain the economic, racial, and social happenings of the time. They believed that the competitions between various industries like oil, transportation, banking, and electricity were inevitable. Those who could “buy-out” the competition or expand their own businesses were put into power. Wealth decided who was in control in that society. A good example of this is the wealth that Andrew Carnegie accrued after buying out every small business around him. Although he became the second richest man in the United States, he was eventually bought out by another entrepreneur of sorts, J.P. Morgan. Even though Carnegie rose above the surrounding competition, he still was beat out by Morgan.

Darwinism also can relate to the racial and social occurrences during the Gilded Age. After the civil war, African-Americans, although being free from the chains of slavery, were still considered lesser than the white minority. Many white southerners believed that African-Americans were meant to be below and separate from them. Not only were African-Americans considered low in class but the poor factory workers and small business owners were also. If you made less than a certain amount in any industry, you were consider lower class citizens and were given very little respect from the bigger business owners of higher class.

In today’s society, Social Darwinism still has somewhat of a presence. Yes, we still have a class system and there are some who are better off than others; however, people of the lower class have been given opportunities to excel in society through means of economy and education. Many who would typically not be able to make their mark in the world are now given the chance to do so.

I think regardless of where are you, you always have people who have more and who have less either by circumstances or by choosing. In some aspects, Social Darwinism holds true to the theory that in order to be in power, you have to climb your way to the top. Power is not handed out to you. You have to gain the knowledge to acquire it. Unlike during the Gilded Age, the government and several other businesses are helping more and more people have the opportunity to be great through all types of aid. Unfortunately, not many take that chance. The resources are there for everybody. It’s up to them to decide what they want to do with it.