EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION ON POPULATION-GROWTH IN IMPERIAL CHINA

This study explores the role of imperial governments in affecting mort ality levels and, particularly, fertility behaviors. It attempts to de monstrate that one element in Malthus' population theory, preventive c hecks, did exist in pre-modern China. Economic rationalism motivated p easants to adopt certain measures under varied conditions which raises doubts about the uniqueness of European societies in this aspect. Due mainly to government relief and welfare efforts, incentives to preven tive checks gradually declined, which may be viewed as one more case o f the influence of non-economic factors on the course of economic deve lopment.