Social Evolution by Herbert Spencer
Theory of Social Evolution “Social Evolutionary Theory” or “The Laws of Social Evolution” is often regarded as the greatest contribution of the British sociologist Herbert Spencer to the realm of social thought. Spencer’s ideals have left an indelible impression on the succeeding writers. The idea of something changing naturally isn't a new idea, but one that Charles Darwin explained with his theory of evolution. Herbert Spencer took Darwin's theory and applied it to how societies change and evolve over time.
Darwin developed the concept of “Evolution” in his “Origin of Species – 1859.” Spencer was fondled by the idea of evolution. He applied the principle of evolution to the social world and called it “social evolution.”
Meaning of “Evolution”:
The term “evolution” comes from the Latin word “evolvere” which means “to develop” or to “unfold.” It closely corresponds to the Sanskrit word “Vikas”. It must take place on its own accord. It implies continuous change that takes place especially in some structure. The concept applies more precisely to the internal growth of an organism.
Meaning of “Social Evolution”:
The term “evolution” is borrowed from biological science to sociology. The term “organic evolution” is replaced by “social evolution” in sociology. Whereas the term “organic evolution” is used to denote the evolution of organism, the expression “social evolution” is used to explain the evolution of human society. Here the term implies the evolution of man’s social relations. It was hoped that the theory of social evolution would explain the origin and development of man.
The concept of social evolution is quite popular in sociological discussion. It was Herbert Spencer who made the concepts of “evolution” and “social evolution “, the central concepts in his sociological theories.
Spencer’s Theory of Evolution:
As L.A. Coser has pointed out, the “evolutionary principle” or “the law of evolution” constitutes the very basis of Spencerism. Spencerian
Darwin developed the concept of “Evolution” in his “Origin of Species – 1859.” Spencer was fondled by the idea of evolution. He applied the principle of evolution to the social world and called it “social evolution.”
Meaning of “Evolution”:
The term “evolution” comes from the Latin word “evolvere” which means “to develop” or to “unfold.” It closely corresponds to the Sanskrit word “Vikas”. It must take place on its own accord. It implies continuous change that takes place especially in some structure. The concept applies more precisely to the internal growth of an organism.
Meaning of “Social Evolution”:
The term “evolution” is borrowed from biological science to sociology. The term “organic evolution” is replaced by “social evolution” in sociology. Whereas the term “organic evolution” is used to denote the evolution of organism, the expression “social evolution” is used to explain the evolution of human society. Here the term implies the evolution of man’s social relations. It was hoped that the theory of social evolution would explain the origin and development of man.
The concept of social evolution is quite popular in sociological discussion. It was Herbert Spencer who made the concepts of “evolution” and “social evolution “, the central concepts in his sociological theories.
Spencer’s Theory of Evolution:
As L.A. Coser has pointed out, the “evolutionary principle” or “the law of evolution” constitutes the very basis of Spencerism. Spencerian