Maslow’s “hierarchy of societies” placed authoritarianism at the bottom of the pyramid, with laissez-faire capitalism higher and New Deal welfare statism highest. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was an American psychologist who developed a hierarchy of needs to explain human motivation. His theory suggested that people have a list of basic needs they must meet before moving up the scale to pursue more social, emotional, and self-actualizing needs.
From Survive to Thrive: Maslow’s 5 Levels of Human Need
- Physiological Needs. Food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter are the bare necessities for anyone’s survival. (food and clothing)
- Safety and Security. Once a person satisfies their basic needs, they want order and predictability. (law, order, and job security)
- Belonging and Love. (friendship, intimacy)
- Esteem. (pride, self-belief, personal and social acceptance)
- Self-Actualization. (awareness and appreciation)
Maslow’s model enables us to think more creatively and strategically as practitioners. It helps our clients understand career development plans, practices, goals, and experiences. It empowers us with the knowledge needed to identify interests, skill sets, strengths, and values. As individuals satisfy needs lower in the hierarchy, self-actualization, the ultimate level, is the complete realization of one’s potential and the full development of one’s abilities and appreciation for life.
WE&P by: EZorrilla.