Definition

1. Noun:
   • Malthus' theory that population increase would outpace increases in the means of subsistence: A doctrine, based on the theories of economist Thomas Malthus, which posits that population tends to grow at a faster rate (geometrically) than its food supply (arithmetically), leading to inevitable checks like famine, disease, or war unless population growth is controlled.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The 19th-century debate on Malthusianism centered on the fear of mass starvation.
  • Critics argue that Malthusianism underestimates human innovation in agriculture and technology.

Advanced Usage

• "neo-Malthusianism": A modern interpretation of Malthusian theory, often applied to concerns about overpopulation and resource depletion in an environmental context.
  • The concept of a "population bomb" is rooted in neo-Malthusianism.

Variants and Related Words

• Malthusian (adj): Relating to or characteristic of Malthus or his theory.
  • He holds a Malthusian view of resource scarcity.
• Malthusian (n): A person who supports the theory of Malthusianism.
  • The speaker was a noted Malthusian.

Synonyms

• Population theory (specifically Malthus's theory)
• Malthusian doctrine

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Malthusian catastrophe": A hypothetical event where population growth outpaces agricultural production, leading to a societal collapse.
  • Some fear climate change could trigger a Malthusian catastrophe.
• "Malthusian trap": The theory that advances in food production only lead to further population growth, preventing sustained increases in the standard of living.
  • The country struggled to escape the Malthusian trap for centuries.

Noun

1. Malthus' theory that population increase would outpace increases in the means of subsistence