Question 56

Herbert Spencer proposed the idea that societies are improved by the principle of "the survival of the fittest."

Herbert Spencer is credited with coining the phrase "survival of the fittest," applying it to social evolution. His belief was that social progress occurs through competition and the elimination of weaker individuals and groups.

A) Herbert Spencer

This option is correct as Spencer was a philosopher and sociologist who argued that societies evolve through a process similar to natural selection, where the best-adapted individuals thrive and contribute to societal improvement.

B) Karl Marx

Marx's theories focused on class struggle and economic factors as the drivers of social change, rather than the concept of "survival of the fittest." He believed in the eventual triumph of the proletariat over capitalist oppression, which contradicts the individualistic nature of Spencer's ideas.

C) Max Weber

Weber was known for his work on bureaucracy, authority, and social action, emphasizing the importance of cultural and social factors in shaping society. He did not advocate for the principle of "survival of the fittest" as a means of societal improvement.

D) Jane Addams

Addams was a social reformer and activist who focused on social justice and the welfare of the underprivileged. Her work aimed at addressing social issues and promoting cooperation among community members, which contrasts sharply with Spencer's competitive view of societal evolution.

Conclusion

Herbert Spencer's idea of "survival of the fittest" emphasizes a competitive approach to social progress, making him the correct answer. In contrast, the other thinkers—Marx, Weber, and Addams—focused on different aspects of society that do not align with Spencer's principle, thereby confirming the uniqueness of his contribution to sociological thought.