Final answer:
Social Darwinism impacted the Industrial Revolution by justifying class distinctions and racial inequalities, influencing business practices and attitudes towards economic policies, and contributing to the ideology that discouraged social welfare and charity aimed at the poor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Social Darwinism on the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and persisted into the early 1900s, immensely transformed societies with its economic and social changes. Social Darwinism emerged during this era and significantly influenced the period's ideologies and policies.
Justification for Class Distinctions and Racism
Proponents of Social Darwinism, like Herbert Spencer, applied the 'survival of the fittest' concept to human societies, suggesting a natural hierarchy among humans. This pseudoscientific theory was used to rationalize the existence of social hierarchies, justifying the disparities between the rich and the poor as a natural and unchangeable outcome of biological predispositions. As a result, elite individuals felt justified in their wealth and status, believing they were biologically superior. It also led to indifference towards the plight of the poor, as poverty was seen as a sign of unfitness for survival.
Influence on Business and Economic Policies
Business leaders likened the intense competition in the marketplace to natural selection. The concept that only the strongest businesses would survive and thrive resonated with the cutthroat capitalism of the time. This perspective reinforced laissez-faire economic policies and limited intervention in the economy, as any regulation was seen as interference with the natural order.
Fear of Social Degeneration
The rise of Social Darwinism also fueled fears of social degeneration. Aspects of urban squalor and the increase of drug and alcohol use were perceived as signs that the 'unfit' were proliferating, to the detriment of society. Consequently, there was less support for social welfare or charity, based on the belief that such efforts would not change the inherent traits of the poor.