Question

Describe the theory of demography given by Malthus.

Hint:

Remember: Population (geometric growth) vs Food supply (arithmetic growth) = Malthusian trap.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background.
Thomas Robert Malthus presented his theory in the book "An Essay on the Principle of Population" (1798).

Step 2: Core idea.
Population increases in a geometric ratio (2, 4, 8, 16...), while food supply increases in an arithmetic ratio (1, 2, 3, 4...).

Step 3: Consequence.
This imbalance leads to overpopulation, scarcity of resources, and natural checks like famine, disease, and war.

Step 4: Criticism.
Modern agriculture and technology have disproved the inevitability of crises, but the theory remains important for highlighting population-resource balance.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Malthus = Population grows faster than food supply → scarcity and crises}} \]