the theory, propounded chiefly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that races, societies, and classes are contingent on and a result of Darwinian laws of natural selection; used to justify imperialism and laissez-faire economics
social Darwinism in American English
1.
the application, chiefly in the late 19th cent., of Darwinism to the understanding of human society
2.
the theory that individuals, ethnic groups, etc. achieve success or dominance because of inherent genetic superiority and a resultant competitive advantage
social Darwinism in British English