ABSTRACT
Malthus stressed the importance of reaching an optimum balance between economic equality and economic inequality, although he was aware of the political difficulties involved. He regarded a reduction in economic inequality as an essential determinant of economic growth and an essential component of a cure for depression. His recommended solution involved the promotion of the size and affluence of the middle classes. He seems to have thought that economic growth will be affected as match by maldistribution as by overpopulation.
