Theory

The Malthusian theory of population, developed by Thomas Robert Malthus in

the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is a theory that explores the relationship
between population growth and the availability of resources. Malthus argued
that population tends to grow at a geometric rate (exponentially), while the
means of subsistence (resources such as food, land, and other necessities) only
increase at an arithmetic rate (linearly). This fundamental difference in growth
rates between population and resources leads to what Malthus referred to as
the "Malthusian catastrophe" or "population check."

Key points of Malthusian theory:

1. Population Growth: Malthus believed that human populations have a

natural tendency to grow rapidly if left unchecked. He described this as
a population increasing at an exponential rate, meaning it would double
in size after a fixed period of time.
2. Resource Constraint: Malthus argued that the means of subsistence,
such as food and agricultural production, can only increase at a slower,
arithmetic rate due to limited resources and the constraints of land and
technology. In other words, the ability to produce food and resources
cannot keep up with the pace of population growth.
3. Population Checks: Malthus proposed two types of checks that would
limit population growth: a. Positive checks: Factors that increase the
death rate, such as famine, disease, and war. These are considered
"misery checks" because they result from the suffering and death of
people. b. Preventive checks: Measures taken to limit birth rates, such as
delayed marriages, abstinence, and family planning. These are
considered "moral checks" as they are conscious decisions made by
individuals or societies to control population growth.
4. Malthusian Catastrophe: If preventive checks did not operate sufficiently,
and positive checks came into play, Malthus believed that a
"catastrophe" would occur, involving a significant reduction in
population to bring it back in line with available resources. This
catastrophe could involve famines, diseases, and other forms of
suffering.
Malthus's theory was influential in its time and sparked debates about
population growth, resources, and human well-being. However, it's important
to note that his predictions of a population catastrophe have not fully
materialized, mainly because technological advancements and increased
agricultural productivity have allowed food production to keep pace with
population growth in many parts of the world. Nevertheless, the Malthusian
theory remains a foundation for discussions on population, resource
constraints, and sustainability.

Malthusian Theory of Population

Thomas Malthus was the first person to give proper consideration to the
reasoning behind population growth. He put forward his theory as a response
to the view that society was always improving, which was prevalent in
Europe in the 18th century. He was specifically concerned with England's
rapidly rising population, facilitated by the Poor Law, and felt that if
continued, it would mean disaster for the nation. Malthus published his
theory in 1798 as "An Essay on the Principle of Population" in an attempt to
illustrate the danger of uncontrolled and excessive population growth.1,2

The Malthusian theory looks at the relationship between population growth

and resources (specifically food supply). It states that there is an optimum
population size that the world's food supply can support. If the population
increases beyond this figure, there would be a reduction in living standards,
coupled with events to curb the population.

Assumptions of Malthusian Theory of

Population
In designing his theory, Malthus made a series of assumptions which are
presented below:

1. Food is necessary for life.

2. Food production increases arithmetically (1,2,3,4,5 etc.)
3. Population, on the other hand, increases geometrically or exponentially
(1,2,4,8,16, etc.).
4. Passion between men and women is necessary and will continue
unchanged.
5. Population is limited by food—population increases when food
increases, unless prevented by some checks.
Using these assumptions, Malthus posited that the food supply would
eventually be unable to keep up with population growth as the latter would
double in 25 years, while the former would not. This is because the country
could only grow a finite amount of food, based on land availability. As a
result, in an attempt for the system to correct itself and return to a state of
equilibrium, there would be checks. These checks would either be positive
(natural) or negative (preventive).