Final answer:
The Communist Manifesto argued for the overthrow of capitalism and criticized social institutions, but did not use social Darwinism to justify class stratification and social inequality (D).
Step-by-step explanation:
The Communist Manifesto did not utilize "social Darwinism" to rationalize class divisions or social inequality. Instead, it critiqued the capitalist system, advocated for the unity of the proletariat to overthrow capitalism (a), highlighted how social institutions perpetuate domination and subordination (c), and indeed served as an inspiration for communist revolutions in various countries like Russia and China (b).
The manifesto principally focused on critiquing capitalism, asserting that the system inherently created class conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers). It emphasized historical patterns of exploitation and envisioned a classless society where the proletariat would overthrow the bourgeoisie to establish a more equitable socio-economic system.
In contrast, "social Darwinism" was a concept that applied principles of natural selection to societal hierarchies, positing that certain individuals or groups were naturally superior, which the Communist Manifesto did not endorse.
Therefore, the Communist Manifesto did not utilize "social Darwinism" to justify class stratification or social inequality (Option D).