Question

In: Economics

Elaborate Malthusian economic theory emphasizing the graphical Principle of Population.

Elaborate Malthusian economic theory emphasizing the graphical Principle of Population.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Answer- The most well-known theory of population is the Malthusian theory. Thomas Robert Malthus wrote his essay on “Principle of Population” in 1798 and modified some of his conclusions in the next edition in 1803.

His theory is very simple. To use his own words: “By nature human food increases in a slow arithmetical ratio; man himself increases in a quick geometrical ratio unless want and vice stop him.The increase in numbers is necessarily limited by the means of subsistence Population invariably increases when the means of subsistence increase, unless prevented by powerful and obvious checks.”

Malthus based his reasoning on the biological fact that every living organism tends to multiply to an unimaginable extent. A single pair of thrushes would multiply into 19,500,000 after the life of the first pair and 20 years later to 1,200,000,000,000,000,000,000 and if they stood shoulder to shoulder about one m every 150,000 would be able to find a perching space on the whole surface of the globe.

The theory propounded by Malthus can be summed up in the following propositions:

(1) Food is necessary to the life of man and, therefore, exercises a strong check on population. In other words, population is necessarily limited by the means of subsistence (i.e., food).

(2) Population increases faster than food production. Whereas population increases in geometric progression, food production increases in arithmetic progression.

(3) Population always increases when the means of subsistence increase, unless prevented by some powerful checks.

(4) There are two types of checks which can keep population on a level with the means of subsistence. They are the preventive and a positive check.


Related Solutions

briefly discuss the role of population in economic development and include the Malthusian population theory in...
briefly discuss the role of population in economic development and include the Malthusian population theory in your discussion
Based on the Malthusian Theory of Population, discuss TWO economic benefits of rising population, and TWO...
Based on the Malthusian Theory of Population, discuss TWO economic benefits of rising population, and TWO economic harms of rising population, for an economy. - Discussion must be elaborate and well-written to earn full points -- minimum of 1 page (double-spaced) expected.
Critically evaluate both the Malthusian perspective on the population problem and demographic transition theory.?
Critically evaluate both the Malthusian perspective on the population problem and demographic transition theory.?
One of the principle criticisms of the Malthusian model is that it fails to include a...
One of the principle criticisms of the Malthusian model is that it fails to include a role for prices.   Provide a complete explanation as to why flexible prices serve to negate the predictions of the Malthusian model.
State the Malthusian population theory and discuss its weaknesses and strengths from today’s point of view.
State the Malthusian population theory and discuss its weaknesses and strengths from today’s point of view.
Describe Malthus' principle of population. What role does the principle of diminishing returns play in this theory?
Describe Malthus' principle of population. What role does the principle of diminishing returns play in this theory? The population principle was not simply a discussion of resources constraints but was also a critique of contemporary theory and social policy. How so?
Examine the role of the population doctrine in classical economic theory.
Examine the role of the population doctrine in classical economic theory.
Elaborate the Agency Theory on the movie "the founder" identify and elaborate on the issues in...
Elaborate the Agency Theory on the movie "the founder" identify and elaborate on the issues in the movie
After reading Freud’s Psychoanalysis theory What is covered by emphasizing the Ego or conscience?
After reading Freud’s Psychoanalysis theory What is covered by emphasizing the Ego or conscience?
Elaborate the theory of investment and saving and their controversy.
Elaborate the theory of investment and saving and their controversy.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT