Which of the following beliefs would Malthus be least likely to endorse?

Economic development can consistently outpace population growth without altering demographic behaviour.

The correct answer is Option 4: Economic development can consistently outpace population growth without altering demographic behaviour.

Malthus believed that population growth tends to exceed the growth of subsistence resources. He was pessimistic about the ability of economic growth alone to solve the problem permanently. In fact, later historical experience showing rising living standards despite population growth was one of the major challenges to his theory.

Option 1: Population growth places pressure on subsistence resources. Correct. This is one of the central assumptions of Malthus's theory.

Option 2: Human beings can only partially control population growth through voluntary action. Correct. Malthus believed preventive checks had limited effectiveness.

Option 3: Famines and diseases may act to restore balance between population and resources. Correct. These were regarded as positive checks.

Option 4: Economic development can consistently outpace population growth without altering demographic behaviour. Incorrect. This contradicts the pessimistic outlook of Malthus's theory.