How did Herbert Spencer’s views on welfare and aid for poor people become discredited?

Herbert Spencer, a prominent 19th-century sociologist and philosopher, advocated for laissez-faire economics and a minimal state, arguing that government intervention hindered the natural progress of society. He famously characterized state-sponsored aid as a "pernicious" interference that supported the "unfit" and impeded the success of the most talented members of society.12

These views became discredited as the widespread suffering and misery of the poor under industrial capitalism became increasingly apparent to the public and policymakers. By framing social welfare as an impediment to evolutionary progress, Spencer’s social Darwinism failed to account for the systemic hardships faced by vulnerable populations.12

It is a fundamental ethical principle that a just society must prioritize the well-being and dignity of all its members, particularly those in need, rather than viewing their struggle as a necessary condition for social advancement. While his ideas were largely sidelined for much of the 20th century, they saw a limited revival among libertarians who sought to challenge the expansion of the welfare state.1