What is "Surplus Population" and Why Did Scrooge Want It Decreased?

[Jim_B]

In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Ebeneezer Scrooge has just let his nephew out of the office and inadvertenly let two portly gentlemen in who represent charities:

``Are there no prisons?’’ asked Scrooge.

``Plenty of prisons,’’ said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.

And the Union workhouses?'' demanded Scrooge. Are they still in operation?’’

They are. Still,'' returned the gentleman, I wish I could say they were not.’’

``The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?’’ said Scrooge.

``Both very busy, sir.’’

Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,'' said Scrooge. I’m very glad to hear it.’’

Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,'' returned the gentleman, a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?’’

``Nothing!’’ Scrooge replied.

``You wish to be anonymous?’’

I wish to be left alone,'' said Scrooge. Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned: they cost enough: and those who are badly off must go there.’’

``Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.’’

If they would rather die,'' said Scrooge, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Besides – excuse me –

[emphasis mine.]

So, then. What is the “surplus population”. And why did the greedy miser Ebeneezer Scrooge want it decreased? Was Charles Dickens by chance referring to the economic theories of Thomas Malthus (1766-1834)?

[KneadToKnow]

What is the “surplus population”.

The difference between the number of people and the number of jobs.

And why did the greedy miser Ebeneezer Scrooge want it decreased?

I would guess that his theory would be that if the ratio of jobs to people was 1:1, then there would be no demand on his generosity.

I have never read Malthus, so I don’ t know if there is a connection there. But Dickens did usually take any chance he could to cast any argument he disagreed with in the most unsavory light possible.