Maslow's Hierarchy

In today’s society, it is perfectly acceptable to use the term, “I need” in place of, “I want”. When one really takes time to evaluate needs versus wants one realizes these two words are not synonymous; furthermore, some needs are so important our mental and physical wellbeing are dependant on them being met. Abraham Maslow developed a pyramid of the process of needs, known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s theory was that people are motivated to achieve certain needs and some of those needs are more pertinent than others. Each need adds a layer in to the foundation and enrichment of the lives of people until all of our needs have been met, then and only then, can we transcend as beings. We will take a look at this hierarchy in dept

As humans, those needs are essential to life itself. Unlike the needs previously mentioned, lack of shelter does not mean imminent death. Many people have been homeless for prolonged periods of time. In “America’s Tent Cities for the Homeless”, Alan Taylor states, “although the overall number of homeless individuals has decreased over the years, it is rising in larger cities. He goes on to say that in 2015 the Department of Homeland security reported over 500,000 people were without homes at the year’s end.” (2016, web). That is a staggering number of people who lack adequate basic needs. Living open to the elements is dangerous and will eventually have adverse effects on someone’s psyche. “When you are in the shelter system you don 't see community, people are all just in survival mode.” (Taylor, 2015, web). Without fulfillment of physiological needs, survival mode kicks in along with desperation to at least secure the basics to live. Interpersonal relationships deteriorate and ones sole quest in life is to just, “hang on.” For those who are able to acquire and maintain a dwelling place and have all their other physiological needs met, there are new needs that come to the

David Straker observes in, “The Need for Esteem”, that “Once we belong to a group, we will then tend to set about climbing up the group hierarchy or maintaining our position in the group by seeking the esteem and approval of group members.” (web** no date). Once someone is accepted into a social group, it is natural to want to gain and keep the respect of those around them. There is power in maintaining a good reputation as it will proceed that individual and can create esteem in other social groups. Without esteem, one can call into depression and suffer from depreciating self-worth. The need to feel valued and influential to some degree helps complete us as humans and brings us closer to the top of Maslow’s pyramid of needs where self-actualization