What is the concept of "social Darwinism" primarily associated with?

The concept of "social Darwinism" is primarily associated with justifying inequalities based on perceived racial superiority. This ideology emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, drawing on Charles Darwin's theories of natural selection and applying them to human societies. Proponents of social Darwinism argued that human societies were subject to the same laws of evolution as the natural world, suggesting that certain races or social classes were inherently superior to others. This rationale was often used to justify imperialism, colonialism, and various forms of discrimination by portraying it as a natural order where the 'fittest' individuals or groups would prevail.

In contrast, environmental conservation and sustainability focus on preserving natural resources and minimizing human impact on the environment, which is not aligned with the competitive and often exploitative ethos of social Darwinism. Encouraging cooperation among nations emphasizes diplomacy and collaboration, directly opposing the divisive and competitive spirit of social Darwinist thought. The rejection of evolutionary theories in society indicates a misunderstanding of scientific principles and does not pertain to the application of those theories in the context of social policies, which is central to social Darwinism.