Introduction to Modeling Thomas Malthus Theory

Intro For every model, you will need to complete a model sheet and place it into your notebook Some models we will complete as a class, but most you will need to complete on your own Left side of the model sheet is for visuals and further explanation

Name of the Model Malthus Theory

Field of Study Where Used Demography and Economics

Person Who Developed The Model Thomas Malthus 1798, England Malthus was a economist who studied population statistics and he made a prediction Wrote The Principal of Population

Premise The theory states that if population continued to growth at a high rate, the population will outrun food production.

Assumptions of the Model Malthus assumed that the world’s population would continue to grow as rapidly as it was growing in Europe during the Industrial Revolution. Humans would not make improvements on food production

Function of the Model The increase of population will take place, if unchecked, in a geometric progression, while the means of subsistence will increase in only an arithmetic progression. This will cause there to be too many people and not enough food.

Strengths of the Model Explained well for population statistics and food production statistics in 1798 Still debated today, and applied to other resources besides food

Limitations/Weaknesses of the Model Malthus Critic Neo-Malthusian Malthus based his theory on statistics from 1798 He did not consider that humans could slow their growth rate He did not consider that humans could find better ways to grow food (techniques and technology) Like Malthus’ theory but do not believe he took it far enough Overpopulation will cause a shortage of food and other resources (water, air, etc.)

Current Uses of the Model Theory is still debated and used today to explain the possible danger of overpopulation. Theory has been debunked my Malthus critics, and by the slower growth rate and improved farming practices.

Illustrations This area can be used for extra notes, visuals, or explanations. The illustrations and explanations should go on the left page, accompanying the model sheet