Question

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?

Answer 1

Mathus's principle of population suggested that with all the other factors remaining constant, there is a high chance that the population doubles itself every 25 years, whereas the supporting resources do not increase at such a high rate. He, in his original 1798 “Principle of Population”, said, "population must always be kept down to the level of the means of subsistence.” Therefore, he points out the relationship between population and means of subsistence, which is the application of the law of demand and supply on this relationship.  

As the food supply increases, food becomes cheaper, and more children are brought into the world. As there are more mouths to feed, food becomes more expensive, thus causing stress on families, more children dying or steps taken to prevent conception itself. As food prices rise, more land is put under the plow or greater efforts made in intensifying the production of the land itself.

It is a critique of social policy and contemporary theory as the Malthusian Theory is only pessimistic. Thus, it gives a gloomy picture and threatens people with misery, poverty, epidemics, wars, drought, and floods. The theory lacks consideration in a revolution in the field of agriculture, and a rapid increase in the food production methods and output.