Answer to Question #173549 in Math for ANJU JAYACHANDRAN

Question

3(b) Write the limitations of the Malthusian model of population growth.

Answer 1

The Malthusian theory explains the relationship between the growth in food supply and in population. It states that population increases faster than food supply and if unchecked leads to vice or misery.

The limitations of the Malthusian model of population growth are:

(1) Mathematical Form of the Theory Wrong:

The mathematical formulation of Malthus’ doctrine that food supply increases in arithmetical progression and population increases in geometrical progression in 25 years has not been proved empirically.

(2) Failed to foresee the Opening up of New Areas:

Malthus had a narrow vision and was particularly influenced by local conditions in England. He failed to foresee the opening up of new areas of Australia, the United States and Argentina where extensive farming of virgin lands led to increased production of food.

(3) Applied a Static Economic Law to a Period of Time:

The Malthusian notion that the food supply increases in arithmetical progression is based on a static economic law at any one time. i.e., the law of diminishing returns. Malthus could not foresee the unprecedented increase in scientific knowledge and agricultural inventions over a period of time which has stayed the law of diminishing returns. Consequently, the food supply has increased much faster than in arithmetical progression.

(4) Neglected the Manpower Aspect in Population:

One of the principal weaknesses of Malthus’ thought has been that he neglected the manpower aspect in population growth. This implies that an increase in population means an increase in manpower which may tend to increase not only agricultural but also industrial production and thus makes the country rich by an equitable distribution of wealth and income.

(5) Population not related to Food Supply but to Total Wealth:

The Malthusian theory rests on a weak relationship between population and food supply. In fact, the right relationship is between population and total wealth of the country. This is the basis of the optimum theory of population.

(6) Increase in Population the Result of declining Death Rate:

The Malthusian theory is one sided. It takes the increase in population as the result of a rising birth rate, whereas population has grown considerably the world over due to a decline in death rate.

(7) Empirical Evidence proves this Theory Wrong:

Empirically, it has been proved by demographists that population growth is a function of the level of per capita income. When per capita income increases rapidly, it lowers the fertility rate and the rate of population growth declines.