Population theories:

Population theories
• Theory of population is studied because the supply of labour depends
upon population and its growth
• Observing the abnormal growth of population and and consequent
fall in the standard of living theories of population were framed
• An essay on the principles of population – 1798
• Malthusian theory of population
Malthusian theory of population
• “ By nature, human food increases in a slow arithmetic ratio, man himself
increases in a quick geometric ratio unless want and vice stop him”.

Propositions of Malthusian theory

1. Population is necessarily limited by means of subsistence (food supply).

2. The power of population is infinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce
subsistence for men.

3. Population increases in geometric progression, whereas food production increases in

arithmetic progression.
1. Population always increases, when the means of subsistence increase, unless it
is prevented by some powerful checks.

2. Two types of checks:

a. Preventive checks – man-initiated checks aimed at decreasing the birth rate. Eg. Celibacy,
Late marriage, Moral restraints, etc.

b. Positive checks – Checks caused by nature. Eg. Famines, wars, floods, etc.
Criticisms
1. Mathematical precision for population growth and food production was objected as these ratios
are found to be unrealistic.

2. He did not foresee the scientific advances that are bound to come in agricultural production.

3. He did not consider total production of a nation but confined to agricultural production alone.

4. He failed to view that the education and civilization would transform the people to have small
families.

5. The statement of natural calamities would occur only in the overpopulated countries to reduce
population is not true.
Optimum theory of population
• Prof. Sidgwick gave the foundation of the optimum theory in his principles of political economy.

• It was later developed by Edwin Cannon, and it is also called as the modern theory of
population

1. Optimum population in a country ensures

1. Best possible utilization of all resources;

2. Highest per capita income.

• Optimal population is the right size of population that is most desirable in a country consistent
with its supply of resources.
2. Under population

- Population of a country is below optimum size.

- So, the per capita income will not be the highest as the resources are under utilized.

3. Over population

- Population of a country is in excess of optimum level.

- Here also, the per capita income will not be the highest as there are insufficient
resources and requisite technology to provide gainful employment.

Optimal population is not fixed for all times, it keeps on changing with the development
of technology and growth of capital.
Dalton’s Formula for maladjustment

It means the extent of deviation of population from optimum size of population.

M=.
M = Maladjustment
A = Actual population
O = Optimal population
If M is,
1. Positive – Country is overpopulated
2. Negative – Country is under populated
3. Zero – Optimum population