Question

Explain Malthus’ theory of the relationship between the size of the population and living standards over time. Explain why his theory appears to be wrong for the developed world.

Note: (Please answer all parts, it's the same question. NO Handwriting please, I have difficulties understanding the handwritings, unfortunately.)

Answer 1

According to Malthus's theory of population growth, population follows a geometric growth pattern and grows continuously whereas, land which is to be used for food production follows arithmetic progression and grows at a slower rate. As a result, an imbalance is created in the society. Wherein land is unable to sustain population which then leads to hunger, poverty, saturation etc.. Thus, population will grow faster than food production and it will lead to shortage of food.

However, he then argued that the population will be in check due to natural calamities like drought, tsunami, famines and it was called Malthusian catastrophes. And according to him it would bring back population to a sustained level. He also suggested preventive measures to control population growth rates, measures like family planning, contaceptives etc..

However, his theory gained criticism on the account that poverty, hunger is not a cause of low food production but unequal distribution of resources. It was also argue that he did not take into account the possibility of technological change and its impact on agricultural production as a result food production is not constrained. Also, along with population growth, he ignored the improvement that would take place in standards of living of people.