Population Flashcards
Malthus’ main principle
Named “the principle of population” - an essay written as a rebuttal for common beliefs of population growth at the time
Did Malthus have a simple or complex view of the world?
It was a simple view. He believed that the solution to the issue of population growth was to control it so the amount of resources would stay sufficient
What did Malthus believe?
That the growing population would eventually exhaust the world’s resources and decrease quality of life
What did Malthus believe there was too much focus on?
Population growth
What did Malthus believe there was not enough focus on?
Improving the quality of living
What did Malthus write?
That the rate of population growth was faster than the growth of food supplies, meaning there would not be enough resources for everyone
A positive check (Malthus)
More people may be killed from wars trying to get hold of resources
Preventive check (Malthus)
People might try and prevent growth by having smaller families
What did Boserup believe?
In basic terms: technology and innovation will allow for food production to grow with population growth
Why was technology important to Boserup’s beliefs?
Technology would be a major aspect as she believed people would be motivated with the risk of starvation and the challenge of feeding more mouths. Therefore people would invent new technology and ways to improve farming and food production.
Evidence of Boserup’s views
The environment has limits though it can be changed with technology. More agricultural production in smaller space. New technologies to improve pesticides Hugely increased yield allowing more people to be fed
What did Boserup write?
“Necessity is the mother of invention” meaning that if you need it, someone will invent it.
Stage 1 of the Demographic Transition model:
High stationary (population is low but balanced due to high birth and death rates)
Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition model:
Early expanding (total population rises as death rates fall due to improvements in healthcare)
Stage 3 of the Demographic Transition model:
Late expanding (total population still, rising rapidly, the gap between birth and death rates narrows, natural increase is high
Stage 4 of the Demographic Transition model:
Low stationary (total population is high, balanced with low birth and death rate, birth control available, desire for small families)
Stage 5 of the Demographic Transition model:
(Decline?) Total population high going into decline as it ages, continued desire for smaller families, having kids later in life
As a country passes through the DTM….
The total population rises
Most LEDCs are at what stage of the DTM?
2/3 - growing population, high natural increase
Most MEDCs are at what stage in the DTM?
4
Stage 5 country in the DTM
Germany
Limitations of the DTM
The study was developed after studies in Western Europe and America (may be different for LEDCs) The original model doesn’t allow for the 5th stage, now relevant to 21st century MEDCs
Amount of babies per woman decrease when….
- children survive
- children aren’t needed for work
- family planning is accessible
- woman get education and join the labour force
Crude Birth Rate
the number of live births per 1000 people per year
Crude Death Rate
the number of deaths per 1000 people per year
What is the limits to growth model?
A study that examined 5 basic factors that ultimately limit growth on the planet
The 5 assessment factors of the limits to growth model
Population, agricultural production, pollution, natural resources, industrial production
What was the final value limits to growth came up with?
That by 2070 the limits to growth would be reached provided we keep at this trend
