Theory of Population 1

MALTHUS’ THEORY OF POPULATION

By Mahtab Ali Larik

Environment and Ecology

Amanullah Maher

University of Sindh

Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan

July 4, 2023
 Theory of Population 2

Malthus' Theory of Population

Introduction

           Thomas Robert Malthus (1766-1834) was an English cleric, scholar, and influential

economist in the political economy and demography. In 1798, Malthus worked on the effects of

population and its possible impacts. In his famous book, An Essay on the Principle of

Population, he alerted that a growing population will negatively affect the standard of living.

According to his theory, "If the living standard of a country is good, and its population is

increasing, then this population will ultimately decrease living standard by putting pressure on

the available resources" (D.Sachs, 2017). In summary, all the economic gains will reverse if the

population increases and is not in control. So, to achieve a permanent good living standard, states

should control their population through specific policies and boost their economic activities.

Logic of Malthus

           According to Malthus, the population grows geometrically, while food production

increases arithmetically. He noted that the geometric growth of the people would overtake the

arithmetic growth of food production. As a result, hunger will feedback wars, famines, diseases,

and other social evils, all of which will cause a significant decrease in population. Based on these

premises, he concluded, "We should control our population along with economic growth and

ability of food production. If not, then nature knows how to control it" (D.Sachs, 2017). It is our

observation that nature keeps the population in check through famines, diseases, and other social

disasters.
 Theory of Population 3

What Malthus did not know

           Those who disagree with Malthus assert that a growing population will create new

pathways for economic development. Along with this, different resources have been found after

Malthus, all of which have added to economic progress, though he was right in his prediction

based on the reality of that time. Malthus was unaware of modern food production techniques,

which had been introduced after his death. Such new technologies have enabled us to grow more

food and sustain the growing population. He was not alive to see the production of fertilizers by

the Haber Bush process, the green revolution of 1950-1980, the science of soil nutrients, and

seed breeding through applications of genetic engineering.

Conclusion

           Although Malthus did not know the modern technologies of food production, which be

available in the future, his theory perfectly explains the relationship between population and

standard of living in a society. Developed nations have implemented modern technologies to

increase food production to meet the food demand of their growing population and balance their

standard of living. On the other hand, a good number of developing and underdeveloped

countries are still facing the problem of the increasing population and scarcity of food to meet

the food demands of their people. Malthus' theory suggests a sustainable strategy for such

countries; they should tackle their problem by controlling the population and increasing

investments in food production technologies. This theory explains the best solution to end food

security issues. Hence, we cannot say that the concept has failed due to the invention of food

production technologies; its importance lies in providing a good analysis of population growth

and a solution to avoid any social disorder. 

 Theory of Population 4

References

Ali, D. S. S., 1995. Basics of Ecology. 2nd ed. Hyderabad Pakistan: Naseem Book Depot.

Sachs, J. D., 2017. The Age of Sustainble Developement. 1 ed. New York: Columbia University Press

Unat, E., 2020. A Review of Malthusian Theory of Population Under the Scope of Human Capital. FORCE,

1(2020), pp. 132-147.

Theory of Population 5