The Social Darwinism Ideals of William Graham Sumner (1840-1910) and the Progressive Principles of Jane Addams (1860-1935)

In the following essay I am going to contrast the views of two figures who laid the foundations of American sociology in their era – the Social Darwinism ideals of William Graham Sumner (1840-1910) on one hand, and the progressive principles of Jane Addams (1860-1935) on the other.

This essay will examine their biographies and focus on their stanzas on those at the bottom of society. . I am going to expound on their and their opinions of social reform and on their views in general in more detail.

Table of Contents

• William Graham Sumner and Jane Addams: Two Pioneers of American Sociology
• The Lives and Works of Sumner and Addams
• The Influence of Their Fathers
• The Development of Their Careers
• The Historical Context
• Social Darwinism vs. Progressive Principles
• Sumner and the Doctrine of Laissez Faire
• Addams and the Settlement House Movement
• Sumner's Defense of the Wealthy
• Addams' Approach to Social Reform

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay aims to contrast the social and political philosophies of William Graham Sumner and Jane Addams, two influential figures in early American sociology. The essay explores their biographies, highlighting their key influences and career paths. It then delves into their contrasting views on social reform, poverty, and the role of government.

• The impact of individual experiences and familial backgrounds on the development of their social philosophies.
• The influence of Social Darwinism and its emphasis on individual competition and the laissez-faire economic system.
• The rise of progressive ideals and the role of social work in addressing social issues.
• Contrasting perspectives on poverty, social reform, and the responsibility of government.
• The legacy of Sumner and Addams in shaping the evolution of American sociology.

Chapter Summaries

The essay begins by introducing the lives and works of William Graham Sumner and Jane Addams, two prominent figures in early American sociology. The authors provide brief biographical sketches, highlighting the key influences that shaped their respective worldviews. The essay then shifts to analyze the contrasting philosophies of Sumner and Addams. Sumner, a staunch advocate of Social Darwinism, emphasized individual competition and the laissez-faire economic system. His views were rooted in a belief in natural selection and the inherent inequality of individuals. Addams, on the other hand, embraced progressive ideals and the role of social work in addressing social issues. She championed a more interventionist approach to social reform, advocating for government action to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions for the disadvantaged. The essay concludes by exploring Sumner's defense of wealth concentration and Addams' approach to social reform through the settlement house movement. Sumner believed that wealth accumulation was a natural consequence of individual talent and effort, while Addams viewed it as a social responsibility to address the needs of the poor and marginalized.

Keywords

This essay explores the contrasting perspectives of two prominent figures in early American sociology, William Graham Sumner and Jane Addams. Key concepts include Social Darwinism, laissez-faire economics, progressive ideals, social reform, settlement houses, poverty, wealth concentration, and individual responsibility.

Details

• College: Free University of Berlin (John.-F.-Kennedy Institut)
• Course: Early American Sociology
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Linda Harnisch (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V292578
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656896838
• ISBN (Book): 9783656896845
• Language: English
• Tags: Soziologie Amerikanistik Jane Adams Amerika