What’s the story?

Your job..

• Decide for yourself.. Is the world going to suffer by exceeding its resources? (specifically food)

LO: To understand the Malthus and Boserup Theories of Population Change and Resource Consumption.

Key Words: Population Explosion, Population Crash, Food Supply, Balance, Birth Control

Thomas Robert Malthus

• 1766 – 1834• English• Economist• Pessimist

This diagram summarises Malthus’ theory from 1798

What did he predict?

Draw a blank series of boxes: You are going to produce a chain of events to

understand Malthus’ theory.

Malthus’ theory, from his essay The Principle of Population, stems from the population explosion that was already evident in the 1800’s, and argues that:

“…population growth would exceed food supplies…”

Label the point where Malthus’ prediction comes true, and the population exceeds the food supply.

Population would eventually reach a resource limit. Any further increase would lead to a population crash caused by wars, famines, disease and social problems, until the population and food supplies regained balance.

Malthus claimed that the only way to prevent crisis was “moral restraint” In modern times, artificial birth control methods are more relevant.

Why might some people disagree with Malthus’ Theory?

Make a list of your agreements and disagreements.

Many people reject Malthus’ theory because:

1. He did not take into account technological developments that could ensure food would reach and outgrow population.

2. Countries would monitor and put into place measures to keep population figures in check.

Ester Boserup

What technology has been developed to improve

the production of food?

Population and resource theories..

•You decide!!!!!!!!!