1. Introduction
- Proposed by Thomas Robert Malthus in his book “An Essay on the Principle of Population” (1798).
- It explains the relationship between population growth and food supply, predicting a crisis if population exceeds resources.
2. Core Principles
- Population grows geometrically (exponentially):
- 1 → 2 → 4 → 8 → 16 → 32 → …
- Food supply grows arithmetically (linearly):
- 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → …
- Result: Population outpaces food production, leading to famine, poverty, and societal collapse unless checked.
3. Types of Population Checks
- Positive Checks (Natural Disasters, Wars, Epidemics): Increase mortality rates and reduce population.
- Preventive Checks (Moral Restraint, Late Marriage, Contraception): Reduce birth rates voluntarily.
4. Criticism of Malthusian Theory
- Technological Advancements:
- Green Revolution, GM crops, mechanized farming have increased food production.
- Demographic Transition Model:
- Population growth stabilizes with economic development (seen in developed nations).
- Underestimation of Human Adaptability:
- Family planning, migration, and economic policies have altered population growth.
- Empirical Evidence:
- Countries like India and China have sustained large populations with improved agriculture.
5. Relevance in Modern Times
- Applicable in Less Developed Countries (LDCs): Rapid population growth still stresses resources.
- Neo-Malthusian Perspective:
- Focus on environmental degradation, resource depletion, and climate change as new Malthusian crises.
- Example: Water scarcity, food insecurity due to climate change.
6. Conclusion
While Malthus’ prediction of mass famine did not materialize due to technological and social progress, his core concern about the imbalance between population and resources remains relevant in discussions on sustainability, resource management, and environmental issues.
