Sozialdarwinismus

Sozialdarwinismus is a term coined in the late 19th century to describe the application of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to human society. It posits that individuals, groups, or nations best adapted to their circumstances will succeed and survive, while those less adapted will fail. This philosophy often leads to the justification of social inequalities, poverty, and even war as natural outcomes of a struggle for existence.

Proponents of Sozialdarwinismus believed that societal progress could be achieved by allowing these natural selection processes to operate without interference. They argued against social welfare programs, arguing that they would weaken the human race by supporting the "unfit." This ideology was particularly influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, impacting political thought, economic policy, and social attitudes.

Critics of Sozialdarwinismus point out that it misinterprets Darwin's biological theories and applies them inappropriately to complex social phenomena. They argue that human societies are not governed solely by biological competition but are shaped by cooperation, culture, and ethical considerations. The ideology has been widely discredited due to its association with eugenics, racism, and justifications for oppression and violence, most notably during the Nazi regime. While the term itself is rarely used positively today, its underlying ideas have resurfaced in various forms throughout history.