Final Answer:
Fertility increases with per capita income. Thus the correct option is (c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The Malthusian population trap posits that fertility is positively correlated with per capita income, aligning with option (c). According to Malthusian theory, as per capita income rises, individuals may feel more economically secure and tend to have more children. This is grounded in the assumption that higher income levels provide families with the means to support larger families. The theory suggests that increased wealth and income could lead to higher fertility rates, potentially resulting in a population growth that outpaces the availability of resources.Thus the correct option is (c).
Malthusian theory contrasts with the notion that contraception availability or rapid technological progress would break the population trap, as these factors are not central to Malthus's hypothesis. Contraception availability (option a) and rapid technological progress (option b) are not inherent to the Malthusian framework.
Instead, the focus is on the relationship between income and fertility. The trap arises when population growth, driven by increased fertility due to rising incomes, surpasses the capacity of resources to sustain that growth. In summary, the Malthusian population trap is primarily concerned with the interaction between per capita income and fertility, making option (c) the correct choice.