Adapting to Population Growth: The Evolutionary Alternative to Malthus

Humans have demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to population growth through cultural evolution, challenging traditional Malthusian views that suggest population is limited by environmental and technological constraints. Instead, this study aligns with the Boserupian perspective, which posits that population growth drives social, economic, and technological advancements. By applying evolutionary theory—where culture replaces genes as the primary driver of change—the research argues that humans have successfully accommodated increasing populations through rapid cultural adaptation. This hypothesis is supported by four case studies: the transition to farming at Göbekli Tepe, the agricultural systems of Tiwanaku in South America, the population crisis in Iceland, and the 'collapse' of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The findings suggest a possible shift from Malthusian to Boserupian dynamics in human history.

Kristinsson, A., & Júlíusson, Á. D. (2016). Adapting to Population Growth: The Evolutionary Alternative to Malthus. Cliodynamics: The Journal of Quantitative History and Cultural Evolution, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.21237/c7clio7130171