Sponge's AP Human Geography Vol. 5 - Malthusian Theory
- mbergman9
- Nov 6, 2015
- 1 min read
Thomas Malthus may have written his theory in the late 18th century, but his ideas have been present in debates ever since. The ever-present concern over the size of population and the Earth's ability to feed that population continues to be discussed in modern times. Being aware of what Malthus' theory states and how critics have responded will help in answering potential FRQ essays of which there have been a few.
By Malthus_PL.svg: Kravietz derivative work (translation): Jarry1250 (translated from Malthus_PL.svg) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
What is the relationship between Food Supply and Population Growth?
WHO? Thomas Malthus 1798
WHAT? Published his views of the effect of population on the food supply
His basic theory:
Population grows at a geometric rate
Food Production increases at an arithmetic rate
The consequence of these two principles is that eventually, population will exceed the capacity of agriculture to support the new population numbers. Population would rise until a limit (ceiling) to growth was reached.
Further growth would be limited when:
* Negative checks - postponement of marriage (lowering of fertility rate), abstinence, increased
cost of food etc.
* Positive checks - famine, war, disease, would increase the death rate.
Malthusian ideas are often supported by Western governments because it highlights the problem of too many mouths to feed, rather than the uneven distribution of resources.
In order to further understand the pros and cons of Malthus' theory, be sure you understand both sides.
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