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Malthus theory
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Malthus Theory
Projection of population growth made by Thomas Malthus. He based his theory on the population explosion that was already becoming evident in the 18th century, and argued that the number of people would increase faster than the food supply. Population would eventually reach a resource limit (overpopulation). Any further increase would result in a population crash, caused by famine, disease, or war.
Malthus was not optimistic about the outcome and suggested that only ‘moral restraint’ (birth control) could prevent crisis. Recent famines in Ethiopia and other countries, where drought, civil war, and poverty have reduced agricultural output, might suggest that Malthus was correct. In the USA, the UK, and many other countries, the agrarian revolution boosted food production, and contraception led to a decline in birth rate; and in some countries population control policies have been introduced.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
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