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social-Darwinism

(19th century)

Attempted application of theory of the survival of the fittest to public policy.

The provision of social services allowed the 'unfit' to survive, and reproduce children who inherited their social characteristics. Such services, therefore, however well-meaning, damaged society.

Also see: eugenics

Source:
David Miller et al., eds, The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Thought (Oxford, 1987)

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