The Philosophy of the Industrialists

To what extent do you see evidence of individuals employing either or both of the philosophies of Social Darwinism and Gospel of Wealth in today's society? Cite specific examples to illustrate your view.

America's free-market economy is one of its defining features. Relatively few industries and services are wholly owned by the government, whose actions can be described as "regulatory" rather than "controlling." This means that "small" businesses (that is, those operated independently of a larger corporation) are given a chance to be successful. Their success, according to the theory of Social Darwinism, is determined by their ability to contribute to the market as a whole.

Today, America's most profitable corporations are the ones who have been able to outperform, outlast, or simply absorb their competition. The Disney Company, which currently owns ESPN, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and ABC, has become the second largest broadcasting company in the world because it has been able to adapt to several decades of changing competition and trends in entertainment.
Perhaps more apparent is the still-present Gospel of Wealth in American society. Success in America is defined as being "rich and famous," rather than being educated, productive, or simply happy. Wealth is still something Americans as a whole aspire to, as has been the case since the rise of industrialism.