Social Darwinism is a theory of human evolution developed by British scientist and political philosopher Herbert Spencer (left).  In essence, the theory states that the poor in society are not fully "evolved" and they are considered the "unfit." The wealthy are fully evolved and are considered the "fit" within society.  The poor have two choices: 1) to evolve and become one of the fit or 2) die out and "decrease the excess population" (quoted from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol").  Thus, the wealthy are simply better humans, or more evolved humans, than the poor. 

Spencer also believed that wealth, or lack thereof, is a result of genetics.  Thus, the fit, or wealthy, can pass along their wealth to their offspring. If a rich person marries another rich person and they have children, those children would also be fit, or wealthy.  Therefore, wealthy people and poor people were essentially "segregated" within society for if a fit person were to marry an unfit person and have children, the wealth that is possessed could be lost (think Titanic - Jack and Rose would never be accepted by those "fit" onboard). 

Spencer coined the phrase "survival of the fittest" long before Charles Darwin.  He argued that helping those unfit in society will only prolong their misery and government and individuals should not assist those in need.  If they receive assistance, what is their motivation to escape their current societal position?  If a poor person does not like working conditions, become a manager or factory owner.  If a poor person does not like their apartment, then earn enough money to buy a better apartment.  If the unfit cannot evolved and be more "fit," then they should die off and "decrease the excess population" (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol).  Spencer argued for Laissez-Faire capitalism: Hands Off.  This means, no government involvement in society.  

Spencer believed that government has two purposes: 1) protection of society from foreign invasion and 2) protection of individual personal property.  All other needs are the responsibility of individual citizens.