Accounts Quote by Thomas Malthus
“No state has hitherto existed (at least that we have any account of) ... that no check whatever has existed to early marriages, among the lower classes, from a fear of not providing well for their families, or among the higher classes, from a fear of lowering their condition in life.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: An Essay on the Principle of Population, 1798
Historically, societies have not imposed age limits on marriage, despite economic or social fears, indicating cultural norms shape family formation more than policy.
In simple terms: Marriage ages vary by culture, not just economics.
Key Takeaway
Consider cultural influences when shaping family policies.
Themes
demography
family structure
economic fear
social norms
history
Mood
analytical
critical
thoughtful
Type
sociological
historical
policy
When to use this quote
- policy design
- public health
- education programs
- social research
- legislative reform
Key Concepts
population theory
social stratification
economic incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance should be struck between cultural tradition and protective legislation?
- How do economic anxieties influence marriage norms today?
A Different Perspective
Modern societies may still enforce age restrictions for protection, which can conflict with cultural practices.
![“[P]opulation, when unchecked, goes on doubling itself every twenty-five years, or increases in a geometrical ratio. ... [T]he means of subsistence, under circumstances the most favorable to human industry, could not possibly be made to increase faster than in an arithmetical ratio.” quote by Thomas Malthus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16b/thomas-malthus-7621_circumstances_p-opulation-when-unchecked-goes-on-doubl_324443.jpg)
