Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (often
represented as a pyramid with five levels of needs) is a motivational theory in
psychology that argues that while people aim to meet basic needs, they seek to
meet successively higher needs in the form of a pyramid.
Abraham H. Maslow felt as though
conditioning theories did not adequately capture the complexity of human
behavior. In a 1943 paper called A Theory of Human Motivation, Maslow presented
the idea that human actions are directed toward goal attainment. Any
given behavior could satisfy several functions at the same time; for instance,
going to a bar could satisfy one’s needs for self-esteem and for social
interaction.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
has often been represented in a hierarchical pyramid with five levels. The four
levels (lower-order needs) are considered physiological needs, while the top
level of the pyramid is considered growth needs. The lower level needs must be
satisfied before higher-order needs can influence behaviour.
- Self-actualization – includes morality, creativity, problem solving, etc.
- Esteem – includes confidence, self-esteem, achievement, respect, etc.
- Belongingness – includes love, friendship, intimacy, family, etc.
- Safety – includes security of environment, employment, resources, health, property, etc.
- Physiological – includes air, food, water, sex, sleep, other factors towards homeostasis, etc.
DEPRIVATION NEEDS:
The
first four levels are considered deficiency or deprivation needs (“D-needs”) in
that their lack of satisfaction causes a deficiency that motivates people to
meet these needs. Physiological needs, the lowest level on the hierarchy,
include necessities such as air, food, and water. These tend to be satisfied
for most people, but they become predominant when unmet. During emergencies,
safety needs such as health and security rise to the forefront. Once these two
levels are met, belongingness needs, such as obtaining love and intimate
relationships or close friendships, become important. The next level, esteem
needs, include the need for recognition from others, confidence, achievement,
and self-esteem.
GROWTH NEEDS:
The
highest level is self-actualization, or the self-fulfillment. Behavior in this
case is not driven or motivated by deficiencies but rather one’s desire for
personal growth and the need to become all the things that a person is capable
of becoming.
CRITICISMS :
While
a useful guide for generally understanding why students behave the way that
they do and in determining how learning may be affected by physiological or
safety deficiencies, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs has its share of criticisms.
Some critics have noted vagueness in what is considered a “deficiency”; what is
a deficiency for one is not necessarily a deficiency for another. Secondly,
there seem to be various exceptions that frequently occur. For example, some
people often risk their own safety to rescue others from danger.
