Question
Which of the following statements best explains why those who believed in
social Darwinism thought it was wrong to help the poor?
It opposed the Protestant work ethic.
It merely helped the less fit survive.
It encouraged class conflict.
It was a step toward communism.
social Darwinism thought it was wrong to help the poor?
It opposed the Protestant work ethic.
It merely helped the less fit survive.
It encouraged class conflict.
It was a step toward communism.
Ask by Beck Paul. in the United States
Jan 27,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The best explanation is that social Darwinists believed helping the poor allowed the less fit to survive, which they thought was against their principles of natural selection.
Answer: It merely helped the less fit survive.
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Extra Insights
Social Darwinism followers believed that helping the poor interfered with the natural order of society, which favored the survival of those deemed “fittest.” They saw assistance as a way of allowing the “less fit” to thrive, thereby weakening the overall strength of the community. This perspective disregarded empathy and social responsibility, suggesting that suffering was an inherent part of societal evolution.
Furthermore, proponents argued that aiding the impoverished could lead to a dependency culture that stifled personal initiative and hard work, ultimately undermining societal progress. This belief perpetuated the notion that wealth and success were indicators of superior qualities, while poverty was seen as a sign of inferiority or failure.
