UNIT 2 LESSON 6

STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO…

Analyze the merits of population growth theoriesArticulate the role of government policies with regards to population growth

THOMAS MALTHUSI’m a British Economist & Cleric.

I was born in 1766-1834, which is only important to let you know I lived during England’s transition through Stage 2 of

the Demographic Transition Model.

I said that population growth would out strip food production.

Here’s why…..

MALTHUS ARGUES THAT POPULATION INCREASED GEOMETRICALLY (1,2,4,8) WHEREAS FOOD SUPPLY INCREASED ARITHMETICALLY (1,2,3,4).

Malthus Thesis:1) Means of subsistence (no food die)

2) Population will increase with increase in the means of subsistence (lots of food

more babies)3) Checks that will inhibit the productive

capacity of population are “private” (choose moral restraint such as celibacy

& chastity) or “destructive”(war, poverty, pestilence, and famine).

NEO-MALTHUSIANS

Malthus’ predications did not come trueThe population continued to increaseMalthus then faded away until 1950’s

Neo-Malthusians have similar/same beliefs regarding population It’s still risingStrongly advocate for population control i.e.; birth control Different from Malthus in that Malthus focused on moral restraint

ESTER BOSERUPI’m the only well-known female

theorist you will encounter in Human Geography.

I died in 1999 and was born in Denmark. I’m not in your textbook either.

I’m an economist and I really didn’t agree with Malthus or Neo-Malthusians.

…because…

…HUMANS WILL ALWAYS INNOVATE…

GOVERNMENT POLICIES

Three Types:1) Expansive2) Eugenic 3) RestrictiveGovernment can influence through behaviors

EXPANSIVE POLICIES

Expansive Population Policies: “encourage large families and raise the rate of natural increase” (Foulberg, 2012, p. 73

Example: “Mother Heroine” medal in Soviet Union, given for raising more than 10 kids.Russian version is the “Order of Parental Glory” which is seven children.

RESTRICTIVE POPULATION POLICIES

Restrictive Population policies: “reduce the rate of natural increase”. Birth ControlProhibition of large families China 1 child policy Still so-so existence, but has been adapted to help address the high rate infanticide of females

India had forced sterilization Election to offices required 2 or less children

EUGENIC POPULATION POLICIES

Eugenic population policies: “favor one racial or cultural sector of the population over others.” Nazi Germany is the most famous historical example

Can be practiced covertlyResource allocationCryptic laws (such as race laws for marriage)

STATE POLICIES ARE LIMITED

Not uncommon for a religion to focus on expansionist policies

In Contrast states might focus on constricting policies

Economic factors will motivate growth in developed nations

EUROPEAN NATIONS

Many have sought to encourage higher birth ratesSweden has VERY generous maternity leaveFinland (Baby in a Box!!)