Date of Defense

Winter 1967

Department

Economics

Keywords

poverty, consumption, scarcity

Abstract

The first half of the twentieth century has witnessed a revolution that presents one of the most significant challenges to the ingenuity and attention of mankind. The advancements of science and technology are steadily breaking down barriers and giving people everywhere the hope and means of aspiring to a new and modern way of life. The awakening of the underdeveloped nations and their emergence to a position of political and economic importance has assumed a proportion that no conscientious citizen of the world can fail to recognize. Yet this awakening has been coupled with an increasing concern over the fact that, while man may stand on the threshold of social and economic prosperity, nearly two-thirds of the world's population is still confronted with the age-old problem of mere subsistence. The hunger situation in underdeveloped countries hinges on the inadequacy of present food supplies to meet the needs of a burgeoning population. The old Malthusian theory that poverty, malnutrition, famine, and war are all a part of the natural process which equalizes the population and the food supply can no longer serve as a convenient excuse for the apathy of the aristocracy to concern itself with the starving masses.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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