William Graham Sumner: Beliefs and Ideologies
William Graham Sumner (1840-1910) was an influential American social scientist, clergyman, and proponent of neoclassical liberalism. Through his writings and teachings, Sumner expressed his beliefs on various topics, shaping his legacy as a prominent figure in the realms of sociology, economics, and political theory. This article explores Sumner’s core beliefs and ideologies, drawing upon reputable sources such as the American Sociological Association, Wikipedia, and the New World Encyclopedia.
Social Darwinism
Sumner was closely associated with the concept of Social Darwinism, which applies Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection to human society. According to Sumner, society should function based on the principles of competition and the survival of the fittest. He believed that individuals and groups should strive for success through their own merit and abilities, rather than relying on external support or intervention. This perspective influenced Sumner’s views on various societal issues, such as economics and imperialism.
Laissez-faire Economics
Sumner staunchly supported laissez-faire economics, advocating for minimal government intervention in economic affairs. He championed the idea of free markets, emphasizing the importance of individual liberty and voluntary exchange. Sumner opposed government interference in economic activities, arguing that it hinders economic growth and stifles individual initiative. His belief in the power of market forces guided his thinking on economic policy, aligning him with the broader school of classical liberalism.
Anti-imperialism
Sumner was a vocal critic of imperialism and its expansionist tendencies. He coined the term “ethnocentrism” to identify the roots of imperialism, highlighting the belief in the superiority of one’s own cultural or ethnic group. Sumner strongly opposed the notion of powerful nations imposing their will on weaker nations, considering it a violation of individual freedom and sovereignty. His anti-imperialist stance reflected his commitment to principles of fairness, self-determination, and non-interference in the affairs of other nations.
Middle Class as the Pillar of Society
Sumner regarded the middle class as the bedrock of a successful democratic capitalist society. He believed that a thriving middle class was essential for the stability and progress of a nation. Sumner coined the term “the forgotten man” to refer to the middle-class individual who bears the burdens of society but often goes unrecognized. He argued that when the middle class is disregarded or marginalized, it poses a threat to democracy itself. Sumner’s emphasis on the middle class underscored his concern for social cohesion and the preservation of democratic values.
Opposition to Social Reform
Sumner held a skeptical view of social reform efforts, asserting that social customs, folkways, and mores naturally evolve through the course of human history. He believed that these forces were beyond human control and that attempts at social reform were futile. Sumner argued that societal norms and practices emerge organically and are shaped by natural selection. Consequently, he cautioned against interventions that aimed to reshape society, asserting that they often led to unintended consequences and disruptions to the natural order.
In conclusion, William Graham Sumner’s beliefs and ideologies encompassed a range of topics, from social Darwinism and laissez-faire economics to anti-imperialism and the significance of the middle class. His ideas continue to generate debate and influence scholarly discussions in the fields of sociology, economics, and political theory.
Sources
- William G. Sumner | American Sociological Association. Retrieved from https://www.asanet.org/william-g-sumner/
- William Graham Sumner – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Graham_Sumner
- William Graham Sumner – New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/William_Graham_Sumner
FAQs
What was William Graham Sumner’s view on Social Darwinism?
Sumner was associated with Social Darwinism, which applied Darwin’s theory of natural selection to human society. He believed that society should operate based on the principles of competition and survival of the fittest.
What were Sumner’s beliefs regarding economics?
Sumner supported laissez-faire economics, advocating for minimal government intervention in economic affairs. He believed in free markets and opposed government interference in economic activities.
What was Sumner’s stance on imperialism?
Sumner was strongly opposed to imperialism. He coined the term “ethnocentrism” to identify the roots of imperialism and criticized the expansionist policies of powerful nations.
How did Sumner view the middle class?
Sumner regarded the middle class as the foundation of a successful democratic capitalist society. He believed that when the middle class is “forgotten,” democracy is endangered.
What was Sumner’s position on social reform?
Sumner believed that social customs, folkways, and mores developed naturally through the course of evolution. He considered attempts at social reform to be useless, as he believed that these forces were beyond human control.