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The Late 19th-Century Self-Made Man.

poverty and wealth that were being exhibited at the end of the 19th century, caused some to seek ways to make possible a just and humane society, while others sought justification for the emerging social order. The promise of success was made, promoting the idea that America was the land of opportunity and that hard work led to success. Social Darwinism was used to provide a scientific explanation for why some acquired great wealth while others barely survived. Rags-to-riches stories presented a picture of the opportunities that were available to all and the success of the self-made man.

Horatio Alger, Jr., Ragged Dick (nationalhumanitiescenter.org)

How would you respond to someone who presents you with the arguments proposed by Social Darwinists, the stories written by Horatio Alger, OR Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth (choose ONLY ONE of these), to explain the success or failures of individuals in society? What evidence would you use to support your position? For this discussion, you must first identify and present their arguments, and then your counterargument. As you collect your information for this discussion you should keep in mind the opportunities that were available to many, but also the climate of racism that permeated parts of the American society and the legalized discrimination that existed.

Sample Answer

Challenging Social Darwinism: A More Nuanced View of Success

Social Darwinist Argument:

Social Darwinism, drawing a parallel between biological evolution and human society, argues that the wealthy and successful are at the top of the social hierarchy because they are inherently superior. They possess the traits of hard work, intelligence, and perseverance, allowing them to thrive in a competitive environment. Conversely, the poor and less successful are seen as inferior due to a lack of these inherent qualities, destined to struggle at the bottom of the social ladder.

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Counterargument:

While hard work and determination are valuable traits, Social Darwinism paints an overly simplistic picture of success. Here’s why this argument doesn’t fully explain the realities of social mobility in America:

The Role of Opportunity: Access to education, mentorship, and financial resources plays a significant role in determining success. Many individuals who excelled were born into wealthy families with established businesses or connections, providing a significant head start. The “rags-to-riches” stories, while inspiring, were not the norm for most Americans.
Systemic Barriers: Social Darwinism ignores the impact of systemic racism and discrimination that existed and continues to exist in American society. People of color, despite possessing the same qualities as their white counterparts, often face barriers to fair competition and advancement in areas like employment, housing, and education. These structural inequalities limit opportunities for upward mobility.
Historical Context: The late 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization, creating immense wealth for a select few while leaving many workers in harsh and low-paying jobs. This economic disparity was less about individual merit and more about the power dynamics of the prevailing economic system.

Evidence to Support the Counterargument:

Studies by organizations like the Pew Research Center show that wealth inequality in the US has been steadily growing, with the gap between the rich and poor widening. This suggests that factors beyond individual merit contribute to economic success.
Historical accounts document the struggles of African Americans during the Reconstruction era and beyond. Despite hard work and perseverance, discriminatory policies like Jim Crow laws significantly limited their economic opportunities.
Research by sociologists like William Julius Wilson highlights the decline of manufacturing jobs and the rise of the service industry, which often provide lower wages and fewer opportunities for advancement. This challenges the idea that hard work in any job automatically leads to success.

Conclusion

Social Darwinism offers a convenient explanation for social inequality but fails to capture the complexities of success in America. While hard work and individual qualities can play a role, access to opportunity, historical context, and the presence of systemic barriers all significantly influence an individual’s trajectory. We need to acknowledge these factors to create a more just and equitable society where success is truly attainable for all.

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The Late 19th-Century Self-Made Man.

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Challenging Social Darwinism: A More Nuanced View of Success

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