How did the Nazis reconcile their views on social Darwinism with their commitment to socialism?

by ottolouis

It's well known that the Nazis cared a lot about the genetic health of the population they controlled, and that isn't just limited to race. The Nazis had plenty of eugenic policies — I believe German "anti-socials" (alcoholics and homeless people) were the first to be forcibly sterilized and sent to concentration camps. However, the Nazis were ostensibly committed to National Socialism. So there was an egalitarian component to their message as well. A major component to this was finding a middle path in modernity between liberalism/capitalism and communism/international socialism. Therefore, the Nazis believed in government projects, and rejected laissez-faire policies. However, laissez-faire policies were typically the ones most associated with social Darwinism; "If you don't help the poor, they will cease to exist" was basically the thinking. So how did the Nazis make a coherent message/policy that allowed for their social Darwinist/eugenic principles to persist but also get the government more involved in the economy?

DanKensington

However, the Nazis were ostensibly committed to National Socialism. So there was an egalitarian component to their message as well.

There's an Animal Farm quote that comes to mind. Let's just say that having a thing is in your name does not require you to live up to your name. Else I should be Portuguese. I commend to your attention the appropriate section of the FAQ, specifically 'How socialist was National Socialism', in case your browser doesn't automatically take you there.