((Maslow theorized a hierarchy of needs that could be represented by a pyramid, with the most basic motives at the bottom. The most basic needs of all beings are physiological — air, food, water, sleep, etceteras. Maslow believed that — until these needs were relatively consistently met — people could not develop to the next level. The next level involves needs for safety and security. This is the need for protection from various threats — floods, lightening, tigers, muggers and so on. Once secure in these basic needs, people will seek to satisfy the higher growth needs. The first of the growth needs is love and belonging — being part of a circle of friends and family. If this need is relatively satisfied, then people feel free to meet esteem needs, like achievement, recognition and self-respect. Once self-esteem is relatively assured, then — and only then — we can reach the ultimate level, self-actualization — the full development of our personal potentials.)) My Question: This model is applicable to individuals, is there any similar model that describes the hierarchy of the social needs and could be applied to societies rather than individuals?
Yeah, just take the model, and transpose it onto a society. However many people fit into each level, tells you how many people are at each stage.
Ok But is it the only Model which describes and connects the social needs? Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Maslow's hierarchy of needs wouldn't be the only theory of social needs. I would say look to sociology rather than psychology for this. I would also say that most sociological theories however won't rely on a hierarchy format if that's what you are specifically looking for. A start would be to look at sociological Functionalism and Marxism, but I don't know a whole lot about sociology theories myself.
I think Maslows hierarchy of needs shows some good points and I'm sure there is a real basis for it, however the true nature of human needs, with all of their complexities, in my opinion, probably contains an element of all of the prominent theories.
