William G. Sumner

William G. Sumner (1840-1910) was an American sociologist and libertarian who is best known for his ideas on social Darwinism and the importance of individualism in society. He argued that social structures and institutions evolve naturally, akin to biological evolution, and that government intervention often disrupts this natural order. Sumner introduced the concept of "folkways," which refers to the traditional norms and customs that govern everyday behavior. He believed that understanding these cultural practices is crucial to grasping how societies function. His work influenced modern social science and discussions around individual rights and free-market economics.