Malthusian theory of population – UGC NET Question

Malthus argued that population has a natural tendency to grow faster than food production. He proposed that population increases geometrically (exponentially), while food supply can at best increase arithmetically. This imbalance, he believed, would eventually lead to shortages, poverty and checks such as famine and disease. The contrast between geometric population growth and arithmetic food growth given in Option C captures his core argument.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it reverses the growth patterns suggested by Malthus. He did not claim that population grows arithmetically; he specifically stressed its geometric potential.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as equal arithmetic growth of population and food would not create the long-term imbalance central to Malthusian thinking. His theory depends on different growth rates.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it states the classic formulation that underpins the Malthusian pessimism about unchecked population growth. It helps explain why he advocated moral restraints and warned of natural checks.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because Malthus did not argue that food supply grows faster than population. If that were true, scarcity and crisis would be less likely.