Abstract
IN this book, Dr. Flugel analyses with acumen the emotional resistances to accepting the doctrine of Malthus, and appears to come down on the side of neo-Malthusianism. His psychological approach is novel and puts into perspective the economic and quantitative aspects of the subject which tend to dominate current discussion. But the calm tone and reasoned exposition conceal many controversial issues. How much truth is there, for example, in his key premise (p. 103) that “the decreasing poverty of the western world is due in considerable measure to the reduction of the birth rate” ? Is it true (p. 47) the 'elderly' contribute more to the community and make fewer demands on it than do young children ? Nevertheless, the book will be read with much profit by students of demography in general and by members of the Royal Commission on Population in particular. Dr. Joad contributes a lively introduction.
Population, Psychology and Peace
J. C.
Flugel
By. (Thinker's Library, No. 117.) Pp. xviii + 142. (London: Watts and Co., Ltd., 1947.) 2s. 6d. net.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
COHEN, J. Population, Psychology and Peace. Nature 159, 793 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/159793d0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/159793d0