Question

According to Malthus how was population kept in check? Describe Malthus’ theory of growth and development.

Answer 1

According to Malthus, the population is in check because we lack sufficient resources to support a higher population. Malthus believed that the population should live only at the subsistence level. For example, if a family of labor can be supported at a wage rate of $100 per week, he should only be paid that amount, if the amount increased the subsistence level the population will increase. So, as long wages or resources are in check the population is in check.

Malthus theory of growth and development says that the resources increase at an arithmetic rate and population rate grows at an exponential rate. If the growth continues, in the same way, the population will clearly overrun the resources and population will start to decline. This will find a balance again when the population and resources are at equal levels.