2. Malthusian, Marxian and demographic transition models;
Case Study 1: Malthusian Population Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Population Growth:
- Malthusian Theory (Thomas Malthus, 1798) – Argues that population grows geometrically while food supply increases arithmetically, leading to resource scarcity.
- Chaos Theory (Edward Lorenz, 1963) – Explores unpredictability in population dynamics due to environmental and economic shocks.
- Systems Thinking (Russell Ackoff, 1971) – Emphasizes interconnectedness between population growth, food security, and economic stability.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- General Systems Theory (Ludwig von Bertalanffy, 1928) – Views population growth as an interconnected system influenced by multiple factors.
- Viable System Model (Stafford Beer, 1972) – Examines how nations adapt to population pressures.
- Spatial Interaction Model (Reilly, 1931) – Explains migration patterns due to resource scarcity.
Recent Data:
- Population Growth: Sub-Saharan Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
- Food Security Challenges: Agricultural output struggling to keep pace with population growth.
- Policy Responses: Governments implementing sustainable agricultural practices and family planning programs.
Spatial Variation:
- Urban Centers: High population density with food supply challenges.
- Rural Areas: Moderate population growth but limited agricultural productivity.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Population growth accelerating since mid-20th century.
- Future Projections: Expected rise in climate adaptation policies and food security initiatives.
Source:
- Malthusian Population Growth in Africa
Insight:
Sub-Saharan Africa’s population trends validate Malthusian Theory, emphasizing the need for sustainable resource management.
Case Study 2: Marxian Population Growth and Economic Inequality in Latin America
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Population Growth:
- Marxian Theory (Karl Marx, 1867) – Argues that population growth is influenced by social and economic inequalities.
- Actor-Network Theory (Bruno Latour, 1987) – Investigates relationships between economic systems and population dynamics.
- Decision Theory (Herbert Simon, 1957) – Studies rational decision-making in population policies.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Soft Systems Methodology (Peter Checkland, 1981) – Addresses complex, human-centered population challenges.
- Growth Pole Model (Perroux, 1955) – Examines how economic development concentrates in key centers, affecting population distribution.
- Demographic Transition Model (Warren Thompson, 1929) – Explains how population growth shifts with economic development.
Recent Data:
- Economic Inequality: Latin America remains one of the most unequal regions globally.
- Population Growth Trends: High birth rates in lower-income communities, declining fertility in wealthier areas.
- Policy Responses: Governments implementing social welfare programs and economic redistribution strategies.
Spatial Variation:
- Urban Centers: High population density with economic disparities.
- Rural Areas: Moderate population growth but limited access to resources.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Economic inequality persisting since colonial era.
- Future Projections: Expected rise in social equity policies and economic reforms.
Source:
- Marxian Population Growth and Inequality in Latin America
Insight:
Latin America’s population trends validate Marxian Theory, emphasizing the role of economic inequality in shaping demographic patterns.
