The Theory of Social Evolution by Herbert Spencer | Classical Sociological Theory | Sociology

*Who is Herbert Spencer?* Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) was an English philosopher and sociologist who is considered one of the earliest thinkers who sought to *establish sociology on scientific foundations* similar to those of the natural sciences. He was greatly influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution and tried to apply it to human society. *His Main Contributions to Sociology* 1. *Applying the Idea of Evolution to Society* Spencer believed that society, like a living organism, *grows and develops* from simple forms to more complex and organized ones. This came to be known as the *organic theory* in sociology. 2. *The Organic Theory of Society* Spencer compared society to **the human body**; just as the organs of the body cooperate to ensure survival, the institutions of society (family, economy, education, the state, etc.) work together to maintain its balance and continuity. 3. *The Concept of “Survival of the Fittest”* Spencer used this concept before Darwin, believing that societies which adapt better to their environment are the ones that **continue and prosper**, while weak societies fail and gradually disappear. 4. *Rejection of State Intervention in Society* He was a *supporter of individual liberalism**, believing that social evolution should occur **naturally without any interference* from the state, because intervention hinders the natural process of social development. 5. *Classification of Sciences* Spencer contributed to *organizing the social sciences* within a hierarchical system and placed sociology at the top of this system, as it studies the most complex social phenomena. 6. *Industrial Society vs. Military Society* Spencer distinguished between two types of societies: *Military Society:* based on force, obedience, and hierarchy. *Industrial Society:* based on cooperation, individual freedom, and economic exchange. *His Influence on Sociology* Spencer’s contributions helped to: *Strengthen the evolutionary approach* in the study of society. *Expand the scientific approach* to sociology. *Pave the way for later thinkers* such as Durkheim and Parsons to develop more precise functional and structural theories.