Malthusian theory
the doctrine proposed by British economist Thomas Malthus (1766–1834) that exponential increases in population growth would surpass arithmetical increases in food supply with dire consequences, unless population growth was arrested by such means as famine, war, or the control of reproduction through moral restraint. In the Western world, Malthus was proved wrong owing to increased prosperity from industrialization. However, his analysis has remained influential (see neo-Malthusian). Also called Malthusianism; Malthus theory.