Suchergebnisse

The article is an endeavour to comparatively review classic and modern
theories and/or theoretical concepts regarding relationship between
population development and the overall sustainable development. On the
second centennial anniversary of the first essay that initiated numerous
discussions regarding this relationship, it cannot be said that the
scientific elite is any nearer the consensus. Not only that the hypothesis
of Malthus, Neo-Malthusians and Marxist thinkers are being built upon, but
completely new ideas regarding this relationship are springing up.
Disregarding the ideological differences but placing emphasis on the
technological discrepancies prevailing to this day, the article also
indicates that these apparently irreconcilable theories can permeate and
complement each other. The Malthusian theory could be valid in a peasant
society, but the socialists pointed to its flows in the industrial society.
The Neo-Malthusians modernized the teachings of Malthus and in the "Limits
to Growth" we find a more exact support to the fears of Neo-Malthusians. The
theo1y of E. Boserup provides not only a consistent explanation of the
relationship between population growth so far and sustainable development
but also points to the essence of theoretical differences. On the short run,
at a certain technological level (that is, manner of production) everybody
is in the right: constant growth in population ultimately results in
declining yields (excess population). On the long run, critical mass of
population creates a new technological level which, in the beginning,
requires higher population density (new "laws" of the population).