Thomas Malthus

Question 1

core principles

Answer 1

-food os necessary for human existence
-human pop. will grow at a geometric rate (expand growth)
-double every generation
-ratio of population and food must be kept equal

Question 2

Malthusian Check -

Answer 2

-when pop. outgrows its resources
-crisis, catastrophe and nightmare

Question 3

positive check

Answer 3

-increase in CDR, leading to reduction in population
-not controlled - famine, disease + war

Question 4

negative check

Answer 4

-limiting population growth by limiting CBR
-abstinence
-delayed marriage - until couple can afford to raise children
-celibacy
-those in poverty or considered a “social defect’ should be restricted in marriage and births

Question 5

problems with Malthus Theory

Answer 5

-relies on the good wills of people to not reproduce
-global pop was only about 9 mil at the time
-did not make allowance for technological improvements
-did not connect surplus pop + surplus wealth, capital property (art)

Question 6

Neo-Malthusian approach

Answer 6

-neo = new
-modern applications of Malthus theory
-eg China’s 1 child policy