The Malthusian population growth theory is a concept that was proposed by Thomas Malthus, an English economist and demographer, in the late 18th century. The theory suggests that population growth tends to outstrip food production, which leads to social and economic problems such as poverty, famine, and disease.
Malthus argued that while the human population grows geometrically (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.), food production can only grow arithmetically (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). Therefore, the population will eventually exceed the available food supply, leading to famine and other forms of population control such as war, disease, and moral restraint.
Malthus believed that population growth was a major threat to human welfare, and he advocated for policies such as celibacy, delayed marriage, and family planning as ways to control population growth.
While the Malthusian theory has been widely criticized for its pessimistic outlook and lack of consideration for technological advancements and social progress, it still serves as an important theoretical framework for understanding population growth and its impact on society.
Marx on Malthusian Theory
Karl Marx, the German philosopher, economist, and social theorist, had a critical view of the Malthusian population growth theory. Marx believed that Malthus’s theory was flawed and failed to take into account the social and economic factors that influence population growth and food production.
Marx argued that the problem of food scarcity was not due to overpopulation but rather to the capitalist system that prioritizes profit over people’s needs. He claimed that in a capitalist system, food production is driven by the pursuit of profit rather than the need to feed people. As a result, food is often produced for those who can afford it, while the poor go hungry.
Marx also criticized the Malthusian theory for ignoring the potential for technological innovation and social progress to increase food production and improve living standards. He believed that social and economic changes could be made to create a world where everyone had access to food and other basic necessities.
Composition of Population
Age Composition
| Age Group | Percentage of Total Population |
| 0-14 | 26.6 |
| 15-59 | 65.5 |
| 60+ | 8.0 |
Composition based on Sex
| Sex | Population |
| Male | 623.7 million |
| Female | 586.5 million |
| Others | 1.6 million |
The source of the above information on sex composition of India is the Census of India 2011, conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Differently Abled Composition
According to the Census of India 2011, the differently-abled population in India is 26.8 million, which is around 2.21% of the total population. This includes individuals who have one or more of the following disabilities:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Speech impairment
- Locomotor disability
- Mental retardation or intellectual disability
- Mental illness
- Multiple disabilities
FAQs
1. What is meant by the term “rapid growth of population”?
- Rapid population growth refers to a situation in which a population is increasing at an exceptionally high rate, often due to a high birth rate and reduced mortality.
2. What are some of the consequences of rapid population growth for a country or region?
- Consequences of rapid population growth can include strain on resources, increased demand for services like healthcare and education, and challenges in providing adequate infrastructure and employment opportunities.
3. What is the population growth logistic model, and how does it work?
- The logistic model is a mathematical representation of population growth that takes into account carrying capacity. It describes how a population grows until it levels off at the maximum number of individuals that the environment can support sustainably.
4. What are the key components of the logistic model, and how do they affect population growth?
- The key components include the intrinsic growth rate, carrying capacity, and population size. These factors determine how quickly a population grows and whether it stabilizes or experiences boom-and-bust cycles.
5. What does the term “population growth curve” refer to?
- A population growth curve is a graphical representation that illustrates how a population changes over time. It typically shows the population size on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.
6. How can a population growth curve help in understanding population dynamics?
- Population growth curves can reveal trends such as exponential growth, logistic growth, or decline. They provide insights into how populations respond to changing conditions and resource limitations.
7. What is the formula for calculating population growth?
- Population growth can be calculated using the formula: Population Growth Rate = ((Births + Immigration) – (Deaths + Emigration)) / Population at the Start of the Period
8. Are there variations in population growth calculations for different contexts, such as ecology, demographics, or economics?
- Yes, there can be variations in how population growth is calculated based on the specific context and data available. Different fields may use different formulas and methods to calculate population growth rates.
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