Final answer:
Jonathan Swift indeed uses the satirical suggestion of cannibalism in 'A Modest Proposal' to criticize society's failure to address poverty. The essay connects to wider themes of overpopulation and societal responsibility. Swift's work remains a poignant critique of social and economic policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Jonathan Swift suggests cannibalism as a solution to the burden of children on society is true. Swift wrote a satirical essay titled A Modest Proposal where he proposes that the poor sell their children as food to the rich as a way to solve the issue of poverty. This was a satire, using extreme measures to criticize contemporaneous economic and social policies, highlighting the neglect for the impoverished. The essay pushes readers to consider the morality of their actions and to seek more humane solutions to societal problems.
Contextual references include the Malthusian perspective on overpopulation, which suggests that unchecked population growth could lead to resource scarcity and the idea that society must take proactive measures to manage population growth. Swift's satirical proposal aligns with the broader debate on overpopulation and resource allocation, which continues to evolve as experts like those from the Population Reference Bureau reassess the actual implications of population dynamics.