Herbert Spencer

1.  Evolution is a process of differentiation where by organisms become structurally complex as each comes to perform some specific     function.
    a. the division of labor – enables a society to function efficiently.
    b.  interrelated processes of progressive increase in mass, density, differentiation, specialization, integration and adaptation.

2.  Societies change from simpler to complex forms.
    a.  overpopulation and the search for scarce resources would lead to competition and the survival of the fittest.
    b.  Humans adapt culturally not biologically to their environment

3.  Societies exist to facilitate the achievements of its members

4.  Progress: societies evolve slowly over time, a movement toward increased social harmony and human happiness.

5.  Four evolutionary forms:
    a. simple society- a single working whole)
    b.  compound society,- merger of two or more simple societies.
    c.  doubly compound society – completely settled and more complex in organization.
    d.  trebly compound society- a “great civilization” –greater size and complexity- empires.

6. Division of societies: those organized for war/ organized for productivity.

7.  Spencer claimed to be presenting scientific, unbiased, value-neutral images of the individual in society but actually incorporated ideological elements that justified prevailing moral, political and economic views, rejected critical theoretical approaches and deflected any change that would challenge the existing class structure.

8.  Spencer’s works became the foundation of much of American sociology in the period from 1885-1915.

return to schedule