We explain what are the basic needs of the human being and which are the main ones. Also, what is Maslow's pyramid.
What are the basic needs?
When talking about basic needs or fundamental needs of the humanity, reference is made to the minimum essential elements that the Humans we need to live.
There is no single definition or criterion as to which ones or how many they are, but it all depends on the philosophical perspective according to which they are approached. Thus, according to some authors they are few, finite and well classifiable (Max-Neef, Elizalde and Hopenhayn), while according to the traditional economic perspective they are few, but infinite and insatiable.
What the different existing criteria do coincide with respect to the basic needs of the individual, is that they are specific to the humanity, so that they are shared by the species in all cultures and possible historical periods, even if they have tried to be satisfied by procedures, strategies Y systems very different from each other historically.
In addition, it is recognized that these fundamental needs are:
- Simultaneous. They are all needed at the same time.
- Complementary. If one fails, the others fail.
- Not marketable. It is not acceptable that they are part of a business.
The satisfaction of these minimum needs of the human being also serves as an indicator to distinguish between the different strata of population which is in the poverty. Those who lead an existence incapable of providing themselves with these fundamental needs are the ones lowest in the social pyramid.
Finally, these basic needs dictate the fundamental rights of every human being, in accordance with the natural law and international agreements on Human rights (DDHH). They are inalienable, inalienable and typical of any individual of the species regardless of their condition and context.
What are the basic needs?
According to some authors, the basic human needs are the following:
- Subsistence. That is to say, food Y Water to keep up with life, but also access to Health both preventive and curative.
- Protection. That is, to be kept safe from danger and the inclemency of the nature: rain, cold, etc.
- Affected. That is, the consideration of others, the love of others and the acceptance of others.
- Participation. Which is equivalent to being taken into account in the society and have the right to be part of it.
- Leisure. In other words, free time and rest, time for reflection.
- Understanding. Which is equivalent to education, access to knowledge and knowledge.
- Creation. That is, the possibility of inventing, composing, interpreting, imagining.
- Identity. That is, a proper name, a history of its own, and its formal recognition by others.
- Liberty. Which means being the owner of one's actions, deciding for one's body and one's life, without being subject to the will of others.
Maslow's Pyramid
Maslow's pyramid illustrates what the most urgent needs are.The American psychologist Abraham Maslow devised in the middle of the 20th century a way to classify and represent human needs on a kind of scale that measures their degree of urgency. This scale is represented in a pyramid, today famous, called Maslow's Pyramid.
In this pyramid, the different types of needs follow each other from the base of the pyramid (where the fundamental human needs are found, shared by the entire population). species). As you climb to the top, the needs become less urgent and more abstract.
In other words, on this upward path, one goes from supporting the body to professional fulfillment or personal affection. However, it is impossible to climb from one step to the next if the previous one is not already satisfied.
Maslow's Pyramid is made up of the following levels:
- Physiological needs. Own the body and maintenance.
- Security needs. That is, those that guarantee a existence continuous and free of sieges (of the climatic elements, but also labor, etc.).
- Membership needs. They have to do with the individual's sense of belonging to a given society (love, camaraderie, etc.).
- Recognition needs. That is, of valuation by the other members of society, which affects the self esteem.
- Self-actualization needs. That they are the most abstract and complex type of needs, and have to do with moral, spiritual, creative or other self-realization, that is, deeply individual and subjective needs.