Name: Kimberly Bleasdell
Form: L6s
Subject: Geography
Teacher: Ms.Fouchong
Thomas Malthus and Ester Boserup
Researchers, economists and scientists alike have always looked at the relationship
between population growth and food and other resource supplies. Two of the most prominent
theories are those of Thomas Malthus and Ester Boserup, who were both European economists
(Malthus being English and Boserup Danish) with differing views on the impact of population in
relation to food supplies.Thomas Malthus’ theory came in 1798 when he published his book, ‘An
Essay on the Principle of Population’ which were pessimistic in contrast to Boserup’s more
recent 1965 theory.
Malthus believed that the increase of population beyond carrying capacity would outstrip
the food supply because human population exhibits a J-shaped curve and continues
accelerating but food is only able to be grown on finite land therefore it would exceed the
carrying capacity.
In contrast, Boserup believes that through population growth pressure would be applied
for technological and scientific advancement which in turn would be increasingly beneficial to
the agricultural industry. She argued that as society develops through population increase,
agricultural land is used more effectively and efficiently. This part of Boserup’s theory can be
applicable to modern society where land is being reclaimed from the sea, greenhouses are
prevalent and there is genetic modification which can be administered to plants to create new
hybrids or even flowering plants that can survive without water for extended periods of time.
As a result of this, Malthus predicted that there may be voluntary or involuntary checks
on population growth. The involuntary checks include famine, disease etc. and voluntary checks
which are preventative measures such as late marriages and child-bearing prevention.
Furthermore in Malthus’ theory he links the increase of food prices to late marriages.
Both of these ideas received criticism, Malthus’ being that he did not regard the
possibilities of technological or scientific advancement in his research theories which is why, in
modern society, it may only be applicable to LEDCs (less economically developed countries) in
which have high crude birth and death rates.
Boserup's theory does not consider the economic inequalities that are prevalent
therefore limiting her study findings to only MEDCs (more economically developed countries)
which have the adequate resources to carry out scientific experiments to achieve this said
advancement. Additionally, research and other methods of innovation happen gradually over
time and in areas in which the population grows at an expedited rate, the research may not
happen quickly enough to prevent food shortage and/or famine.
