According to Thomas Malthus, what factors control human population growth?

Thomas Malthus, an English cleric and scholar known for his influential theories on population growth, argued that human population growth is primarily controlled by natural checks, which include wars, famine, and disease. These factors serve as limiting forces on population size, preventing overpopulation by reducing the number of people who can survive and reproduce.

Malthus posited that while populations tend to grow exponentially, the resources required to sustain that growth (like food production) increase at a linear rate. When the population exceeds the capacity of the environment to provide sufficient resources, negative checks like famine, disease, and conflict become more likely. These events can lead to higher mortality rates, thereby controlling the population size.

The other factors listed, such as technological advancements, education and awareness, and market expansions, do not align with Malthus's original theories. Instead, he focused on the more immediate and harsh realities of resource limits and the resulting societal impacts when those limits are reached. Understanding Malthus’s perspective helps contextualize ongoing discussions about sustainability and resource management today.