, HSY2601 Assignment 2 COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
2 2024 (701831) - DUE 26 August 2024 ; 100% TRUSTED
Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
Discuss some historical grounds for the rise of racist beliefs in
the 19th century. - Provide contextual examples from the study
guide and suggested readings.
To discuss the historical grounds for the rise of racist beliefs in
the 19th century, it's important to contextualize these
developments within broader social, economic, and political
changes of that era. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Scientific Racism
• Phrenology and Craniometry: During the 19th century,
pseudoscientific theories like phrenology and craniometry
gained popularity. These sciences claimed to measure
intelligence, moral capacity, and other characteristics based
on skull shape and size. This reinforced racial hierarchies,
suggesting that Europeans were biologically superior to
other races.
• Darwinism and Social Darwinism: While Charles
Darwin’s theory of evolution focused on natural selection,
it was later misappropriated into "Social Darwinism."
Proponents like Herbert Spencer argued that social
inequality was a result of 'survival of the fittest,' applying
this to justify racial hierarchies.
2. Colonialism and Imperialism