Needs:
Philosophical - because there are many different views on what human beings need
Political - because how needs are met will depend on political ideology regarding
distribution of resources.
Need is socially constructed, open ended and highly contested:
- Needs vs wants, line between isn’t always clear
- Basic needs (food, water, shelter) vs higher needs (education)
- Individual Differences, everyone has different needs dependent on
circumstances
Needs and Policy:
Despite the issues with need (definition) - ‘Needs are central to social policy making’
(Erksine 2002) - NHS, education.
In policy needs form the basis for deciding what resources citizens need and which need
them the most.
How responsible the state is for meeting them is contested and dependent on political
ideological position.
Theories of Need:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
Some needs are more basic than other. Need to satisfy one before we can satisfy the next.
1. Physiological - food, water, warmth, rest
2. Safety - security, safety
3. Belonging - intimate relationships, friends
4. Esteem - prestige, accomplishment, respect of others
5. Self-Actualisation - full potential, creative activities
If we are denied one of our needs, we want it more.
We go between the stages depending on our current needs.
Based on interviews with 18 people who had self-actualised, argued they all had similar
traits.
Prioritises biological over social needs.
Assumes people with fewer resources don’t go beyond first two stages - poverty.
Max-Neef’s Taxonomy of Fundamental Human Needs
Needs are interrelated, constantly trying to satisfy all, equally important.
Social needs are as important as survival needs.
1. Subsistence
2. Protection
3. Affection
4. Understanding
5. Participation
6. Leisure
7. Creation
8. Identity
9. Freedom
Satisfying one needs may affect another.
Philosophical - because there are many different views on what human beings need
Political - because how needs are met will depend on political ideology regarding
distribution of resources.
Need is socially constructed, open ended and highly contested:
- Needs vs wants, line between isn’t always clear
- Basic needs (food, water, shelter) vs higher needs (education)
- Individual Differences, everyone has different needs dependent on
circumstances
Needs and Policy:
Despite the issues with need (definition) - ‘Needs are central to social policy making’
(Erksine 2002) - NHS, education.
In policy needs form the basis for deciding what resources citizens need and which need
them the most.
How responsible the state is for meeting them is contested and dependent on political
ideological position.
Theories of Need:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
Some needs are more basic than other. Need to satisfy one before we can satisfy the next.
1. Physiological - food, water, warmth, rest
2. Safety - security, safety
3. Belonging - intimate relationships, friends
4. Esteem - prestige, accomplishment, respect of others
5. Self-Actualisation - full potential, creative activities
If we are denied one of our needs, we want it more.
We go between the stages depending on our current needs.
Based on interviews with 18 people who had self-actualised, argued they all had similar
traits.
Prioritises biological over social needs.
Assumes people with fewer resources don’t go beyond first two stages - poverty.
Max-Neef’s Taxonomy of Fundamental Human Needs
Needs are interrelated, constantly trying to satisfy all, equally important.
Social needs are as important as survival needs.
1. Subsistence
2. Protection
3. Affection
4. Understanding
5. Participation
6. Leisure
7. Creation
8. Identity
9. Freedom
Satisfying one needs may affect another.
