SOCA02H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 20: Malthusian Trap, Thomas Robert Malthus, Demographic Transition
Document Summary
Thomas malthus, proposed a theory of human population concerned with the effects of unchecked population growth. Malthus theorized that natural phenomena would maintain a manageable population size. Two (2) forces can hold population growth in check: preventive measures considered vices and are opposed by malthus (abortion, infanticide, prostitution, positive checks tend to create much suffering (war, pestilence, famine) Malthusian trap: refers to a cycle of population growth followed by an outbreak of war, pestilence, or famine that keeps population growth in check. Technological advances and food production: current technology has the capacity to feed the world starvation by human decision. Nations with strong social net have lesser amounts of social inequity and low birth rates: people can control sexual urges and contraceptive devices have been developed. Demographic transition theory: explains how changes in fertility and mortality affected population growth from pre-industrial to post-industrial times. Theory based on observation that the european population developed in four (4) distinct stages:
