Who was the first economist to propose a systematic theory of population?

NHM MP Staff Nurse-2022

Sociology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2022

Explanation

Thomas Robert Malthus was the first economist to systematically theorize about the relationship between population growth and resource availability.
His seminal work, "An Essay on the Principle of Population" (1798), laid the groundwork for modern demography.
The core of his theory is that population tends to grow exponentially (geometric progression), while food supply grows arithmetically, leading to a predictable crisis point.
He proposed that population is kept in check by 'preventive checks' (e.g., moral restraint) and 'positive checks' (e.g., famine, disease, war).

Option B: N.J. Smelser was a sociologist whose work focused on economic sociology and collective behavior, not foundational population theory.
Option C: William F. Ogburn was a sociologist known for his theory of 'cultural lag,' which deals with the differential rates of change between material and non-material culture.
Option D: Max Weber was a foundational sociologist who studied bureaucracy, authority, and the sociology of religion. His work did not focus on creating a systematic theory of population.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Economic and Demographic Theories as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, Malthusian principles are fundamental to public health and policy. Understanding population dynamics helps in planning for healthcare resource allocation, food security, and sanitation infrastructure.
Public health nurses and community health officials use demographic data to anticipate health needs, plan immunization campaigns, and manage the spread of communicable diseases, which can be exacerbated by overcrowding and resource scarcity as predicted by Malthus.
The theory highlights the importance of family planning and reproductive health services, which are key areas of community health nursing, as a means of 'preventive checks' on population growth.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question: 'first economist,' 'systematic theory,' and 'population.' This points to a foundational concept in social or economic history.
This is a factual recall question. The answer relies on knowing the major contributions of key figures in economics and sociology.
Evaluate each option. Thomas Robert Malthus is almost synonymously linked with early population theory.
Consider the other options. Recognize that Weber, Smelser, and Ogburn are all major figures in sociology, but their famous theories (bureaucracy, collective behavior, cultural lag) are distinct from a general theory of population growth.
By associating each theorist with their primary contribution, you can eliminate the incorrect options and confirm that Malthus is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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