The Role of Population in Economic Growth

TLDR

The relationship between population growth and economic growth is controversial. The study charts the links between population growth, per capita output growth, and overall economic growth over the past 200 years. It uses historical data to conduct this analysis. The analysis shows that low population growth in high‑income countries can cause social and economic problems, high growth in low‑income countries can slow development, and limited migration may worsen national and global inequality.

Abstract

The relationship between population growth and economic growth is controversial. This article draws on historical data to chart the links between population growth, growth in per capita output, and overall economic growth over the past 200 years. Low population growth in high-income countries is likely to create social and economic problems while high population growth in low-income countries may slow their development. International migration could help to adjust these imbalances but is opposed by many. Drawing on economic analyses of inequality, it appears that lower population growth and limited migration may contribute to increased national and global economic inequality.