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Thread: Belief in social Darwinism linked to dysfunctional psychological characteristics, study finds

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    Belief in social Darwinism linked to dysfunctional psychological characteristics, study finds


    Belief in social Darwinism linked to dysfunctional psychological characteristics, study finds
    Social Darwinists tend to admire strength and power despite own fragile self-image

    Date: August 11, 2021
    Source: PLOS
    Belief in social Darwinism linked to dysfunctional psychological characteristics, study finds: Social Darwinists tend to admire strength and power despite own fragile self-image -- ScienceDaily


    Summary:

    A new survey study links belief in the concept of social Darwinism with certain dysfunctional psychological characteristics, such as exploitative attitudes towards others, hostility, and low self-esteem.



    Those who subscribe to social Darwinism view the social world as a sort of competitive jungle requiring ruthless competition for limited resources, in which only the "strongest" survive. Social Darwinism includes a negative view of human nature, holding that people are inherently selfish and that cynical manipulation is an acceptable route to get ahead.

    To better understand the personal characteristics underlying belief in social Darwinism,
    Radkiewicz and Skarzynska conducted a four-part survey study, with each part including 624 to 853 Polish participants. Specifically, they examined links between people's belief in social Darwinism and their characteristics regarding attachment styles, the "Big Five" personality traits, the "Dark Triad" of personality, basic human values, and moral judgments.

    Analysis of the survey results revealed links between belief in social Darwinism and dysfunctional personal characteristics -- as opposed to more positive "individual resources." For instance, social Darwinists were more likely to display admiration for power, a desire to dominate, a desire to pursue their goals at all costs, and hostility. They were also more likely to have low self-esteem, low self-sufficiency, and a fearful attachment style in their close relationships.

    The results are in line with the idea that social Darwinists hold beliefs that conflict with the principles of liberal democracy,
    and their vision of social life is not conducive to fostering a cooperative, egalitarian society. The authors also note an underlying "mental split," in that social Darwinists tend to worship strength and power while also having a fragile self-image.

    Future research could continue to explore the dispositional characteristics that underlie social Darwinism, as well as a broader collection of pessimistic views of the social world.

    The authors add: "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.

    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."



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    This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind, having the understanding darkened...
    (Ephesians 4:17-18)

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...
    (Psalm 1)

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  3. #2
    A very interesting article.

    I think it is worth noting that Social Darwinism has been linked (by its critics) with laissez-faire capitalism and colonialism. The idea (which critics reject) is that it is logical to set up society so as to reward those individuals and nations that are strongest.

    The counter to that (which of course I support) is that people have "moral value" which is independent of their physical and intellectual strengths. Thus, a handicapped individual with a brain disorder is just as valuable as Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos.

  4. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by njtom View Post
    A very interesting article.

    I think it is worth noting that Social Darwinism has been linked (by its critics) with laissez-faire capitalism and colonialism. The idea (which critics reject) is that it is logical to set up society so as to reward those individuals and nations that are strongest.

    The counter to that (which of course I support) is that people have "moral value" which is independent of their physical and intellectual strengths. Thus, a handicapped individual with a brain disorder is just as valuable as Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos.

    This ...


    Mark 12:28-34
    (28) And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
    (29) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
    (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
    (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
    (32) And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
    (33) And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
    (34) And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.


    Matthew includes this...


    Matthew 22:40
    On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.







    This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind, having the understanding darkened...
    (Ephesians 4:17-18)

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...
    (Psalm 1)

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