Theory question 107
PopulationSection B: answer three questions only from this section.
(a) Outline the main features of the Malthusian theory on population
(b) Explain the developments that render the theory irrelevant to the present day situation.
Show the model answer
(a) Population tends to grow in geometric progression (1, 2, 4, 8 …)
Food supply grows only in arithmetic progression (1, 2, 3, 4 …) because of diminishing returns on land
Population would therefore outgrow food supply, doubling about every 25 years
Positive checks (famine, disease, war) would reduce population
He recommended preventive checks: late marriage and moral restraint
(b) Improved agricultural technology (fertilisers, mechanisation, improved seeds) has raised food output faster than population
Birth control and family planning have slowed population growth
International trade lets countries import food
Medical advances and urbanisation changed population patterns; developed countries' population growth has slowed
Malthus ignored technology and the fact that more people also produce more
State Malthus's ratios clearly, then give reasons the predictions did not come true.