In population and resource studies, the Neo-Malthusian theory is mainly associated with which of the following concerns?

Introduction / Context:
The Neo Malthusian theory builds upon the ideas of Thomas Malthus, who argued that population tends to grow faster than food supply, leading to pressure on resources. Modern Neo Malthusians expand this idea to include broader environmental limits, focusing on finite natural resources, environmental degradation, and the carrying capacity of the Earth. This question asks which concern is most directly associated with the Neo Malthusian perspective.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options mentioned are employment, poverty, resource scarcity, and income.
• The Neo Malthusian viewpoint emphasises population growth and environmental limits.
• We assume the question is about the central theme rather than side effects.

Concept / Approach:
The original Malthusian theory focused on the imbalance between arithmetic growth of food supply and geometric growth of population. Neo Malthusian thinkers extend this to argue that rapid population growth strains not only food supplies but also water, energy, minerals, forests, and other resources. They stress that unchecked population growth can lead to resource scarcity, environmental damage, and crises unless measures such as family planning and sustainable resource management are adopted. While issues like poverty and employment are related, the core emphasis is on resource limits and scarcity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Malthus argued that population growth would eventually outstrip food supply, creating pressure on resources.2. Understand that Neo Malthusian theory updates this idea in the context of modern industrial society, finite resources, and environmental pollution.3. The central message is that there are ecological and resource limits to population and economic growth.4. Resource scarcity of food, water, energy, and other essentials is therefore a key focus of Neo Malthusian arguments.5. Employment and income are important economic issues but are not the primary point of Neo Malthusian warnings.6. Poverty is a serious social problem that may be worsened by resource scarcity, but it is not the central lens of Neo Malthusian theory.7. Hence, resource scarcity is the option that best captures the main concern of Neo Malthusian theory.

Verification / Alternative check:
Discussions of Neo Malthusianism in population and environment textbooks repeatedly highlight worries about overpopulation leading to shortages of food, water, and energy, as well as environmental degradation such as deforestation and climate change. Neo Malthusian groups often advocate for population control and sustainable resource use to prevent resource crises. While they acknowledge that population pressure can worsen poverty and unemployment, these are seen as consequences of underlying resource constraints rather than the primary focus.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, employment, is more directly a labour market and economic issue. Although population growth can influence employment opportunities, this is not the specific focus of Neo Malthusian theory. Option B, poverty, is a major global problem, and Neo Malthusians suggest that resource pressure can increase poverty, but the theory itself is framed mainly in terms of limits to resources and carrying capacity. Option D, income, refers to individual or national monetary earnings, which again is not the core of Neo Malthusian arguments.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes associate Malthus only with poverty or unemployment because these are visible consequences of high population, but this oversimplifies his ideas. Another pitfall is to think of Neo Malthusian theory as only about birth control policies, without understanding that the motivation behind these policies is fear of resource scarcity. To avoid confusion, remember that the heart of Neo Malthusian thinking is concern about finite resources and ecological limits.

Final Answer:
The Neo Malthusian theory is mainly associated with concerns about resource scarcity caused by rapid population growth.