What Is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Have you ever wondered what truly drives human behaviour? Why do we crave love after feeling safe? Or chase purpose only after our basic needs are met? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory gives a powerful lens to understand our motivations and how we behave from the need for safety to the desire for purpose. This theory, published in 1943, has been applied in multiple fields, including psychology and management theory. Understanding this can help reveal what truly drives your thoughts, actions, and desires. Read on to know more.

An Overview

In 1943, Abraham Maslow, a prominent psychologist, introduced a theory that included the Hierarchy of Needs. He titled the theory "A Theory of Human Motivation."

The theory says a series of needs drives human motivation. It begins with the most basic needs and then progresses to more complex ones. He organised these needs into a five-level pyramid. Each layer must be at least partially satisfied before moving to the next. For instance, access to essentials like food, shelter, and health insurance can support the fulfilment of basic physiological and safety needs.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory shifted the focus of psychology towards personal development and fulfilment. This laid the foundation for what is now known as humanistic psychology.

The Five Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy

This powerful theory presents a five-level pyramid. Each represents a distinct category of human need.

1. Physiological Needs

This is the foundation of this theory’s pyramid. Without this, physical survival is not possible. It represents the most basic human survival needs, including air, water, food, sleep, shelter, and reproduction.

2. Safety Needs

After physiological needs, safety comes next. People seek order, predictability, and control in their lives. Some examples include physical safety, health and well-being, as well as financial, personal, and property security.

3. Love and Belonging

This is essential for deep psychological needs and to feel connected. This is the last of the lower needs in the theory, including the importance of relationships and social belonging. Some examples include friendship, family ties, community, social groups, and romantic relationships.

4. Esteem Needs

Esteem needs come next once the needs of love and belonging are met. People seek respect and to develop a positive self-image.

These needs fall into two categories:

• Self-esteem: Gaining confidence, independence, achievement, and mastery of skills.

• Esteem from others: Gaining recognition, status, attention, and appreciation.

5. Self-Actualisation

The personal growth and self-fulfilment lie at the very top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This level can be unique to everyone. Some examples include creative expression, following passion, purpose and meaning, and peak experiences.

Examples in Everyday Life

Here’s how it looks in daily life:

• Physiological Needs: Eating meals on time, drinking clean water, and getting enough sleep.

• Safety Needs: Having insurance, job security, or living in a safe neighbourhood.

• Love and Belonging: Spending time with family, having close friendships, or feeling part of a group.

• Esteem Needs: Recognition at work, personal achievements, and self-respect.

• Self-Actualisation: Starting a passion project, learning a new skill, or helping others grow.

Criticisms of Maslow’s Hierarchy

Maslow’s theory has influenced various sectors, including psychology, education, business, and the professions. However, people have pointed out several limitations and flaws in the hierarchy model. In today’s context, concepts like individual health insurance can also be viewed through this lens, as they relate to fulfilling personal safety and well-being needs.

1. Too Rigid and Linear

The fixed order of needs doesn’t reflect real life; people may pursue self-actualisation even without meeting basic needs.

Example: An artist might pursue creativity even while struggling financially.

2. Cultural Bias

Another aspect that often highlights this theory is that it is developed based on American individualistic values. Therefore, the focus may not be applicable universally across all cultures.

Example: In nations like Japan or India, love and belongingness are often preferred over personal achievements or self-actualisation.

3. Overemphasis on Individualism

Some people also say that the theory centres on the individual’s journey toward self-fulfilment. However, not all societies or individuals are primarily motivated by individualism.

Example: The focus on personal fulfilment may not apply to those motivated by family, faith, or community.

4. Lack of Scientific Evidence

The hierarchy lacks strong empirical backing; studies show that people often pursue multiple needs simultaneously.

Example: A working parent may seek career success while also nurturing family bonds and managing financial security, all at once.

5. Ignores Situational Factors

Maslow’s five-level model does not account well for external factors, such as economic crises, trauma, or life events.

Example: During wars or pandemics, people prioritise survival and safety over esteem or creativity.

Modern Perspectives and Updates

Here are the modern perspectives and updates to the theory:

1. Additional Levels

Cognitive, aesthetic, and transcendence needs are the new levels introduced in the theory.

2. Needs Can Overlap

Maslow later revised that people can pursue multiple needs simultaneously.

3. Maslow in the Digital Era

New priorities like Wi-Fi and mental health, that matter today, have been added to the theory.

4. Used in Marketing & HR

Businesses have started using Maslow’s theory to motivate teams and attract customers.

5. Positive Psychology Builds on It

Other theories like PERMA and Flow expand the idea of self-actualisation.

6. Cultural & Personal Flexibility

Prioritising needs varies by culture, life stage, and personality.

Applications of Theory

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is used across real-world fields like:

1. Mental Health

Many therapists utilise this theory to identify the unmet needs in a client’s life. For example, a lack of safety or connection.

2. Workplaces

Many employers apply this theory to improve team motivation. It can be fulfilling to meet basic needs, such as fair pay, safe workspaces, and career growth.

3. Education

Some teachers or schools use it to support students. For example, a hungry or anxious child may struggle to learn. Therefore, schools aim to provide meals, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.