Which belief system claimed that the survival of the fittest was influenced by socioeconomic status?

Social Darwinism is the belief system that applies the concept of "survival of the fittest" to sociopolitical and economic contexts, suggesting that just as in nature, those who are most adaptable and capable will thrive in society, often justifying disparities in wealth and social class. This ideology emerged in the late 19th century, where proponents like Herbert Spencer argued that human societies evolve in a similar way to biological species, and that socioeconomic status reflects one's fitness in this competitive social environment.

This belief system often reinforced the idea that poverty and economic struggles were the result of individual failings rather than systemic issues, thus providing a rationalization for the social and economic inequalities of the time. By framing success in terms of inherent capability, Social Darwinism supported the notion that the most successful individuals, or those who achieved high socioeconomic status, were naturally superior, while those who struggled were seen as less fit.

In contrast, the Protestant Work Ethic emphasizes hard work and frugality as a means to achieve success, but does not inherently link this to a natural order of societal hierarchy. Republican Motherhood relates to women's roles in raising virtuous citizens and does not engage with socioeconomic issues in the same way. Jeffersonian Democracy focuses on agrarianism and