noun

social Darwinism

SOH-shul DAR-win-iz-um

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Social Darwinism (noun) means the discredited belief that Darwin's idea of natural selection applies to human society, so that wealth and power prove a group's fitness and that helping the poor or weak interferes with progress. Example: “Social Darwinism was used to excuse both colonial rule and opposition to welfare.”

noun

usually derogatory The discredited belief that Darwin's idea of natural selection applies to human society, so that wealth and power prove a group's fitness and that helping the poor or weak interferes with progress.

"Social Darwinism was used to excuse both colonial rule and opposition to welfare."

"Critics said the policy amounted to social Darwinism dressed up as economics."

How to use social Darwinism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe false idea that the rich and powerful deserve their position because nature weeds out the weak.

When to use it

Almost always used critically; very few people apply the label to themselves.

Easily confused with

Darwinism → eugenics → meritocracy →

Common pairings

social Darwinist thinking accused of social Darwinism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “social Darwinism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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Can you complete this real example?

_____ was used to excuse both colonial rule and opposition to welfare.

Etymology

From the name of the naturalist Charles Darwin, applied to social and political theory. The label was popularised largely by the movement's critics.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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survival of the fittest doctrine

Rhymes for social Darwinism

albinism feminism antifeminism

See all rhymes for social Darwinism →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Darwinism and social Darwinism?

Darwinism is a scientific account of how species change through natural selection, and it makes no claim about how people ought to behave. Social Darwinism takes that language and misapplies it to politics and economics to justify inequality. Biologists reject the leap as a category error.

Did Charles Darwin support social Darwinism?

No. The doctrine was built by others from his vocabulary, and Darwin himself wrote about the moral importance of caring for the vulnerable. The phrase 'survival of the fittest' was coined by Herbert Spencer, not Darwin, though Darwin later adopted it.

Is social Darwinism the same as eugenics?

They overlap but differ. Social Darwinism argues that society should let the weak fail; eugenics argues that society should actively control who reproduces. Both were used to justify racism and both are rejected today.

What is the meaning of social Darwinism?

"social Darwinism" (noun) means the discredited belief that Darwin's idea of natural selection applies to human society, so that wealth and power prove a group's fitness and that helping the poor or weak interferes with progress.