Industrialization brought great wealth to America, but the price was quite high. The growing extremes of poverty and wealth that were being exhibited at the end of the 19th century, caused some to seek ways to make possible a just and humane society, while others sought justification for the emerging social order.
Industrialization brought great wealth to America, but the price was quite high. The growing extremes of poverty and wealth that were being exhibited at the end of the 19th century, caused some to seek ways to make possible a just and humane society, while others sought justification for the emerging social order. The promise of success was made, promoting the idea that America was the land of opportunity and that hard work led to success. Social Darwinism was used to provide a scientific explanation for why some acquired great wealth while others barely survived. Rags-to-riches stories presented a picture of the opportunities that were available to all, and the success of the self-made man.
In order to prepare for this discussion forum:
- Review and identify the relevant sections of Chapter 19, that support your discussion.
- Review background information on the works of Horatio Alger Jr., and read one of his short stories: Ragged Dick, available on this linked site. http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/gilded/people/text3/alger.pdfLinks to an external site.
- Read this selection from Andrew Carnegie’s The Gospel of Wealth on this link.Download on this link.
- Read this brief selection on Social Darwinism,Links to an external site. written by Herbert Spencer, 1857, who applied Darwin’s theories of evolution to society. He also coined the phrase “survival of the fittest.”
After you have completed your readings post your response to ONE of the topics in the following question:
- How would you respond to someone who presents you with the arguments proposed by Social Darwinists, OR the stories written by Horatio Alger, OR Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth (choose ONLY ONE of these), to explain the success or failures of individuals in the society? What evidence would you use to support your position? For this discussion, you must first identify and present their arguments, and then your counterargument. As you collect your information for this discussion you should keep in mind the opportunities that were available to many, but also the climate of racism that permeated parts of the American society and the legalized discrimination that existed.
In order to earn the full 100 points (100%) for this assignment, you must:
- Directly and completely answer at least ONE question. Please make sure that you clearly indicate which question you have chosen to discuss. Clearly and accurately explain your answer based on factual information contained in the assigned readings. (80 points)
- Students must respond to at least one fellow student’s posting explaining the reason(s) for their agreement or disagreement, with the arguments that have been presented, in order to get full credit for the discussion. (20 points)
- When posting your response to a fellow student’s comment, please try whenever possible, to select the question that you did not address for your discussion.
- Make sure that all statements are supported with facts from the reading selections.
Answer
CARNEGIE’S GOSPEL OF WEALTH
By: Essayicons.com
Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” explores the aftermath of Industrialization, which created a society divided between the rich and the poor, with race being a factor. Within the text, the author provides various arguments to explain the success and failures of people in society. For instance, Carnegie argues on the basis of personal merit. He posits that their success or failures are determined by individual skills, determination, hard work, and merit. Evidently, “for civilization took its start from the day that the capable, industrious workman said to his incompetent and lazy fellow, (If thou dost net sow, thou shalt net reap” (Carnegie, 1889). Additionally, Carnegie also uses successful people who inherit a huge amount of wealth but ends up not benefitting them and society at large (Carnegie, 1889). To him, wealth distribution gives excess accumulation of resources to a few, prompting social inequality and poverty among some groups, particularly the marginalized ones.
To respond to someone who presents me with the above arguments, I would consider systemic barriers which tend to benefit one race or group while the others suffer. These barriers have often been associated with creating disadvantages, even if the individual works extra hard. I would also respond using structural inequalities since, regardless of merit, access to key facilities like education and health care significantly determines an individual’s results and opportunities necessary for their success or failures. Thirdly, I would use the wealth concentration factor. Notably, a few individuals possess huge wealth while the majority suffer. This distribution causes inequality, the concentration of power in one race, and restriction of social mobility causing the difference. The evidence I would use to support my position is statistics and research on pay gaps, social mobility, the effects of structural factors on people’s failures and success, and individuals affected by systemic barriers.