As human beings develop and our needs evolve, they become their source of motivation, what leads us to act as we do.
Surely, one of the most important theorists regarding human needs and motivation is Abraham Maslow a humanistic psychologist who proposed the “Theory of Human Needs”, better known as Maslow’s Pyramid.
In its famous pyramid, Maslow tells us about five human needs that are arranged at different levels, from the base of the figure to the highest part of it. These needs must be covered one by one in order to feel satisfied with ourselves and our life. According to him, it is only possible to access the top of the pyramid if the previous needs have been met one by one.
However, there are other criteria for classifying human needs. Below we show you the different ways of classifying these needs. They are the following:
According to its importance or nature
The needs may or may not be vital, that is, they may carry an organic risk if they are not satisfied in some cases, and they may be accessory to the survival of the individual in others.
1. Primary Needs
They are vital needs, that is, are those whose satisfaction depends on the survival of the person For example, eating, sleeping, breathing, hydrating, etc. These are needs related to maintaining minimum standards that allow the body to function well.
2. Secondary Needs
They are not vital but they increase the person’s level of satisfaction and well-being They usually have a cultural component, so they can be different depending on the culture and even the time. For example, having a car, having a mobile phone. etc
According to its origin
Depending on the origin, human needs can be:
3. Individual needs
They are the needs that an individual or person has, and they can be of two kinds:
4. Collective needs
They are the needs of individuals as a group or society, that is, as citizens: public transportation, security and order, etc.
According to its economic significance
Depending on whether they have an economic function or not, the needs can be…
5. Economic needs
They are the needs that, in order to carry them out, it is necessary to carry out an economic activity For example, the cell phone or eating (buying food at the market).
6. Non-economic needs
These needs do not require economic activity For example, breathing, and fundamentally any area of life that lies beyond business transactions.
According to its nature
Maslow’s theory also talks about deficient needs and the development of the person.
7. Deficient needs
They mean that there is a lack if we do not satisfy them, that is, we cannot live without them They are the physiological needs, security, affiliation and recognition. Satisfying deficit needs is important to avoid unpleasant consequences or feelings.
8. Development of the being
They are important for personal growth, and they do not have to do with the deficit of something, but with the desire to grow as a person. Consequently, they are basically based on ideas about the Self and the way in which these have an effect on the emotional states of the person.
According to Abraham Maslow
According to Maslow’s theory, there are different human needs:
9. Physiological needs
The first level of Abraham Maslow’s pyramid is made up of the basic needs that Human beings require food, clothing and shelter every day These daily needs are primary and physiological, and consist of the physical requirements for the human body to function properly, including air, water, and sleep. In other words, they are necessary for our survival, and if we did not satisfy them, we would not be able to stay alive. Therefore, human beings need to always cover them.
10. Security needs
In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid, the second level needs are safety needs. Human beings need to be assured of their well-being and safety For example, we don’t like to worry about thieves in our home or that we don’t have a home where we can be safe. People value good health, as well as personal and financial security.
11. Membership needs
The third level in the hierarchy of human needs is affiliation needs or social needs People need to love and be loved in return, they need to feel that others value them and need affection. Human beings also feel the need to belong to social groups and, consequently, we like to have a sense of connection and belonging with others.
We all need to fit in, interact and be accepted by the people around us. Family, friendship and relationships are important so that we can satisfy our social needs.
12. Needs for recognition or esteem
People need to be respected and esteemed This need for respect and self-respect constitutes the fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. As with other human needs, these needs are interrelated with other human needs and build a continuum with them. As a consequence, esteem needs have two phases.
The first, which extends from a person’s social needs, is the need to earn the respect of others. This type of need for respect drives individuals to seek fame, honor, and prestige. The second, which requires respect for oneself, not only on the part of other people.
13. Self-actualization needs
These are the needs that are at the highest level of the pyramid. They have to do with what people want to become. When individuals have satisfied their previous needs, they feel a strong desire to be the person they dream of being.
In other words, They feel the need to self-realize, to update their potential and to bring out their talent and the fullness of his nature. Maslow thinks that whatever potential a person possesses, he must bring it out. It is what the individual is born for and what will make him happy.
