Thomas Malthus Growth Model

The Thomas Malthus Growth Model is an economic theory developed by Thomas Robert Malthus in the late 18th century. The model attempts to explain how populations grow over time. The model states that the human population will typically increase exponentially while the availability of resources to support the population will only increase arithmetically. The model postulates that population growth will eventually outpace resource growth, leading to a rapid decrease in the population. This phenomenon is known as the Malthusian catastrophe and it occurs because the population has grown faster than the resources that can sustain it. To prevent the catastrophic event from happening, Malthus proposed postponing marriage until a later age and adopting moral restraint over sexual activity. Malthus argued that if unchecked, populations tend to experience increased mortality and decreased fertility over time as the population of an area outstrips its resources. The theory also suggests that population growth is determined by two main forces: food availability and living standards. He suggested that the two work in balance, with increased food availability and improved living standards both leading to increased population growth. Additionally, he suggested that population growth was moderated by moral restraint and checks, such as encouraging the postponement of marriage, in addition to food limitation.