A new survey, published last week in the journal PLOS ONE, has found an association between the concept of social Darwinism and certain dysfunctional psychological characteristics, such as exploitative attitudes towards others, hostility, and low self-esteem, according to Science Daily.
Prof. Piotr Radkiewicz of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Prof. Krystyna Skarzynska of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw, Poland, conducted the survey.
The team found that people who follow social Darwinism view the social world like a competitive jungle that needs ruthless competition for limited resources, in which only the “strongest” survive.
Social Darwinism is a theory that people, groups, and individuals are subjected to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection as plants and animals.
The concept, which is now largely discredited, includes a negative view of human nature, promoting the belief that people are inherently selfish and that “cynical manipulation” is the only way to get ahead, according to Science Daily.
Prof. Radkiewicz and Prof. Skarzynska conducted the survey to better understand the personal characteristics underlying belief in social Darwinism.
There were 624 to 853 Polish participants in the survey. The researchers examined links between the participants’ belief in social Darwinism and their psychological characteristics.
The team found that there are links between belief in the concept of social Darwinism and dysfunctional personal characteristics.
The participants who follow the concept of social Darwinism were found to display admiration for power, a desire to dominate, a desire to pursue their goals at all costs, and hostility, per Science Daily. Also, they were more likely to have low self-esteem, low self-sufficiency, and a fearful attachment style in their close relationships.
Furthermore, the investigators noted that an underlying “mental split” in social Darwinists tends to worship strength and power.
They said future research could continue to explore the dispositional psychological characteristics among those who follow social Darwinism.
“The belief that the social world resembles the Darwinian jungle is conflicting with the ideals of democracy that postulate maximizing citizens’ wellbeing, minimizing violence, and promoting human rights,” the author wrote. “However, it can support adversarial democracy that aims to gain an advantage over the opponents and deprive them of power, good reputation, and economic strength.”
