IAD 10, Lecture Notes on Population Prof. Population is the dependent variable, technology the independent variable. Population rises to the level of technology and then is limited by it.
Poverty is an expression of the lag between population and technology Malthusian theories.
When population has exceeded the capacity of its resource base. Population has grown 8-10 fold since 1800, yet we are healthier and better off today. Demographic Transition Technological development and increased wealth actually decreases population growth. Malthus would predict the opposite. Other means than children for old-age social security Demographic transition occurs without the aid of artificial contraception.