The dichotomy of Malthusian positive checks: Destruction and even more intensified regeneration

Abstract

Abstract. Impacts of Malthusian positive checks are investigated using data compiled by the United Nations Development Program. We show how the intensity of Malthusian positive checks are correlated with indicators describing the standard of living such as ecological footprint, income per capita, severe poverty, access to pure water and access to sanitation facilities. We then show that mortality increases exponentially with the intensity of Malthusian positive checks (adult mortality, under-five mortality, maternal mortality and deaths by polluted water). However, total fertility rate also increases exponentially. The surprising result of our analysis is that the growth rate and the rate of natural increase are directly proportional to the intensity of Malthusian positive checks. The regenerating impacts triggered by Malthusian positive checks do not just keep the growth undisturbed – they stimulate growth and make it even faster. Using data for Africa, we show that while the death rate increases with the intensity of hunger, total fertility rate, birth rate and the rate of natural increase also increase. Records from China also show that Malthusian positive checks of wars and famines triggered the intensified growth of population. Thus, contrary to the generally promoted interpretations, hunger and famines do not necessarily suppress the growth of population. Similar patterns of stress-induced growth are also observed in nature. This study is closely related to the problem of controlling the growth of human population. Keywords. Malthusian positive checks, Population growth, Income per capita, Birth and death rates, Total fertility rate, Growth rate, Rate of natural increase JEL. A12, C12, Y80.