Topic 2.6: Malthusian Theory

Population Growth (Geometric) vs. Food Supply (Arithmetic)

1. Theory Scenarios

Adjust Variables

Simulation Graph

Crisis Point: Year 45
Population (J-Curve)
Resources (Linear)
The population (red) has exceeded the food supply (green). This is the Malthusian Catastrophe, leading to war, famine, or disease to check growth.

3. Malthus's "Checks"

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Positive Checks

Increases Death Rate

Events that shorten life span to reduce the population. Malthus saw these as "natural" outcomes of overpopulation.
Examples: Famine, War, Disease, Disaster.

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Preventive Checks

Decreases Birth Rate

Voluntary actions taken by people to limit population growth before a crisis occurs.
Examples: Moral restraint, delaying marriage, birth control (Neo-Malthusian).