Which social ideology, prevalent during the Industrial Revolution, held that the unregulated functioning of economic forces was essential for overall societal well-being and that government intervention in individual economic activities should be avoided?

Explanation

The correct answer is 'laissez-faire economics,' a philosophy that emerged during the Industrial Revolution advocating minimal government interference in economic matters. It argued that free-market forces naturally regulate the economy and promote the common good. Other options like 'economic self-sufficiency' or 'human rights doctrine' do not capture this specific economic principle, while 'land consolidation' refers to a different historical process.