4. Concepts of the over-under-and optimum population

Case Study 1: Overpopulation – Bangladesh

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Overpopulation:

• Malthusian Theory (Malthus, 1798) – Population growth outstrips food supply, leading to crises.
• Demographic Transition Model (Notestein, 1945) – Population shifts through development stages.
• Dependency Theory (Frank, 1967) – Economic structures influence population sustainability.
• Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Economic disparities drive population concentration in urban centers.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Overpopulation Model – Examines excessive population growth and resource strain.
• Carrying Capacity Framework – Evaluates environmental limits to population sustainability.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses population sustainability through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Bangladesh: Population of 170 million, with one of the highest population densities globally.
• Urbanization Trends: Dhaka’s population exceeds 10 million, leading to congestion and resource depletion.
• Economic Impact: High unemployment rates and food insecurity due to overpopulation pressures.

Spatial Variation:

• Urban Centers: High population density due to migration influx.
• Rural Areas: Moderate population decline due to outmigration.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Population growth accelerating since 1980s.
• Future Projections: Expected stabilization due to demographic transition and policy interventions.

Source:

• Over, Under, and Optimum Population – UPSC Geography Notes

Insight:

Bangladesh’s overpopulation validates Malthusian Theory, emphasizing resource strain due to excessive population growth.

Case Study 2: Optimum Population – Canada

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Optimum Population:

• Optimum Population Theory (Cannan, 1924) – The ideal population maximizes per capita income.
• Demographic Transition Model (Notestein, 1945) – Population shifts through development stages.
• Dependency Theory (Frank, 1967) – Economic structures influence population sustainability.
• Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Economic disparities drive population concentration in urban centers.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Optimum Population Model – Balances population size with resource availability.
• Economic Growth and Population Framework – Evaluates labor force and productivity.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses population sustainability through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Canada: Population of 39 million, with a strong economy and resource abundance.
• Labor Market Trends: Immigration policies support workforce expansion.
• Economic Impact: High per capita income and stable resource utilization.

Spatial Variation:

• Urban Centers: High economic opportunities due to balanced population growth.
• Rural Areas: Moderate population density with sustainable resource use.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Immigration-driven population growth expanding since 2000s.
• Future Projections: Expected stabilization due to balanced economic and demographic policies.

Source:

• Optimum Population – Meaning, Affecting Factors & Theories

Insight:

Canada’s optimum population validates Optimum Population Theory, emphasizing balanced growth for economic sustainability.