Explain How Spencer's Idea of "Survival of the Fittest" Led

question 7

Essay

Explain how Spencer's idea of "survival of the fittest" led to the concept and practice of social Darwinism in the US.How is this position inconsistent with the sociological imagination,and why do sociologists tend to be quite critical of these ideas?

---

Definitions:

Class Consciousness

The awareness of one's social class and the sense of shared interests with others in the same class, often in contrast to opposing classes.

Functional Imperatives

Fundamental needs that must be met in any social system for it to survive and operate efficiently, such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency.

Parsons

An influential sociologist known for his work on social action, systems theory, and for contributing to the development of functionalism.

Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture, norms, and practices of another society, often losing their original identity.