MICROECONOMICS (LL) W/ACCESS
MICROECONOMICS (LL) W/ACCESS
21st Edition
ISBN: 9781260199888
Author: McConnell
Publisher: MCG
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Concept explainers

Question
Chapter 19, Problem 1DQ
To determine

The Malthus’ theory of human reproduction and its relevance.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The Malthusian theory of human reproduction is that it is a living standard. It is based on food supply. The people have to rise above the subsistence. Thus, they can afford to have more children and increase population growth.  Eventually, however, the population growth will overwhelm food supply growth and living standards will be pushed back to subsistence.

This theory works well for non-human life forms like bacteria and rabbit populations. This is continued to expand until there is a food supply to support them.  They have a biological drive to procreate and lack any ability to reason that unchecked population growth might eventually have adverse effects.

In the pre-industrial period in the US, Europe and other the less-developed economies had a large number of births as a way to hedge against high rates of infant / childhood mortality. Nowadays, the standard of living is better than before so the risk of premature death decreases significantly. Thus, the families tend to focus on quality; not on maximizing the quantity of their family.

Economics Concept Introduction

Concept Introduction:

Malthus theory: Malthus theory states that the population grows geometrically and food supply increases arithmetically.

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