Basic human needs according to oil. Maslow's classification of human needs (Motivation Theory)

It is often mentioned in various manuals on psychology and management. There is an opinion that Maslow did not create this pyramid. He only studied the biographies of the most successful people planets. On the basis of his observations, he was able to deduce curious patterns of human needs. We will return to this theory later. And now let's take a closer look at what Maslow's pyramid of human needs is. To begin with, we present a description of all its levels.

Physiological Needs

They are the foundation of the pyramid in question. These needs are inherent in all living organisms on Earth. Their satisfaction is so necessary for a person for the reason that his chances of survival depend on it. For example, people cannot do without food, water, oxygen. Not surprisingly, many call such needs instinctive. However, if they are not satisfied, then there is no desire for more lofty goals. This reflects Maslow's pyramid. Physiological needs force people to work, and spend the money received on food, clothing, and home improvement. It is unlikely that a person who is very thirsty or hungry will spend the last money on a ticket to the theater.

Pursuit of Security

Consider what Maslow's pyramid of needs includes at the second level. It will be about the desire to be protected and achieve stability. An example is babies. Toddlers, whose awareness is still at a minimum level, after satisfaction of thirst and hunger, instinctively seek protection. And in most cases, only the warmth of the mother can calm them down. We can observe the same thing with adults. If there are no deviations in the psyche of a person, the desire to protect oneself manifests itself in a rather mild form - he draws up insurance, cuts in reliable locks, etc.

Need for love, belonging

Maslow's pyramid also includes a third step. On it are social needs, manifested in the fact that people tend to enter into any team, to make friends. They want to be loved and, of course, love. The social environment provides a great opportunity to feel important and benefit others. That is why most people seek to establish relationships with acquaintances, to find a partner not only for creating a family, but also for doing business, and even for discussing issues of interest to them.

Desire to be recognized

In the case of complete satisfaction of the previous need, the impact of others on the individual is minimized. The desire for respect, prestige, recognition of one's own abilities and talents comes to the fore. An individual becomes confident in his abilities only after he receives recognition from relatives, colleagues, etc.

The need for spiritual enrichment

Has the person won the love and respect of others? In this case, he is more likely to be able to realize his potential. Maslow's pyramid ends with the need for spiritual nourishment. People at this stage strive for creativity, visiting museums, exhibitions, theaters. Another hallmark an individual who has managed to rise to the fifth step is the search for the meaning of life, the struggle for justice and knowledge of the world around. Such needs Maslow considered the highest. Now consider two more alternative levels.

step six

People are naturally curious. Children begin to get acquainted with the world around them, crawling everywhere and everywhere. They are especially interested in things hidden away. A. Maslow described the need for understanding and cognition as follows:

The phenomenon called curiosity is also observed in some higher animals. For example, monkeys, discovering unfamiliar objects, try to disassemble them into details, stick their fingers into all possible cracks, etc. In such a situation, exploratory behavior is observed that is not associated with fear, nor with the desire for comfort, nor with physiological needs.

In the history of mankind there are many examples of a selfless search for truth, causing a misunderstanding of society, persecution and even a threat to life.

All psychologically normal individuals strive for the inexplicable, the mysterious, the enigmatic. At the same time, concepts and phenomena that are amenable to one hundred percent explanation evoke boredom.

The need for knowledge and understanding in children is expressed more clearly than in adults. Moreover, such a desire develops not as a result of external influence. It is a natural consequence of growing up.

When we begin to talk about cognition, we often forget that this process is not an absolute synonym for learning. As a result of incorrect interpretation, it is evaluated only in terms of the result. At the same time, one forgets about those feelings that arise in the process of comprehension, insight. But a person is truly happy when he manages to touch the highest truth at least for a moment.

Step seven. aesthetic needs

Some individuals really need aesthetic pleasure. If they are surrounded by ugly things or people, they get sick in the literal sense of the word. The most effective cure for all ailments for them is beauty. At present, this need has been little studied. Here's what you can say about her:

Some people have a pronounced creative potential. Creative needs are dominant here. Often they become even more important than physiological ones.

Individuals with heightened aesthetic needs are ready, for the sake of their ideals and values, not only to endure torment and deprivation, but also to die.

Basic postulates of the theory

Each rung of the pyramid represents one level of needs. More pronounced needs are lower, and less pronounced ones are higher. Without satisfying (at least partially) basic needs, it is extremely difficult to move up the pyramid. Above we have discussed in detail all the steps. To list them briefly, they are physiology, safety, sociality, recognition and knowledge. Alternate levels - curiosity and aesthetics. They play an equally important role in motivating individual behavior.

It has already been mentioned that physiology is the basic step of the pyramid. As Maslow argued, a person should ideally reach the highest level by about the age of fifty.

So who is the author anyway?

Maslow's pyramid of needs, as is commonly believed, was built by the scientist himself. However, it is not. Abraham Maslow devoted his entire adult life to the consideration of questions of self-realization of people. But the pyramid in the form familiar to us was not compiled by him. The diagrammatic hierarchy of needs was first published in the Pillar edition of the textbook. This happened in 1975, and Maslow passed away five years earlier.

Do satisfied needs motivate?

Maslow's pyramid is undoubtedly built on the basis of logical reasoning. However, modern researchers have come to the following conclusion: an actual need is one that has not yet been satisfied at the moment. Agree that well-fed people are unlikely to fight for an extra piece of bread. And a person who does not strive for communication will avoid annoying interlocutors. Someone who does not need prestige will not change his behavior and habits to satisfy a need that he does not actually have.

What about in practice?

According to most modern psychologists, no matter how structured Maslow's pyramid of needs (the figure is presented in the article), it is not easy for her to find practical use. Focusing on this scheme, one can slide into extremely inappropriate generalizations. If we do not pay attention to statistics and consider each individual individually, the question arises of whether we are so hopeless, for example, in conditions of prolonged malnutrition. And is it so unbearable for someone who is not recognized by others? Maslow's pyramid doesn't take into account the fact that many people get what they want because of unmet needs. What are unrequited feelings worth!

If Maslow's pyramid of needs is taken as the basis for reasoning, then it becomes completely incomprehensible how emaciated prisoners of concentration camps could successfully organize underground anti-fascist activities. Or how, for example, some brilliant writers and artists worked in absolute poverty.

There is evidence that Maslow's pyramid was criticized by the psychologist himself. Studying his later works On the Psychology of Being (1962) and The Far Limits of Human Nature (1971, published posthumously), one can come across the author's own thoughts that he advocates a serious revision of the concept of motivation and personality.

Opponents of the theory

Maslow's pyramid of needs (see photo in the article) is often criticized by specialists of different levels. First of all, the expediency of the very idea of ​​hierarchy and the impossibility of individuals to satisfy all their needs once forever are called into question. Maslow's pyramid of needs (the pictures below reflect its essence) is most sharply criticized as follows: "According to this psychologist, people are animals who want something all the time."

Another reproach is the inability to apply the considered concept of the distribution of human needs in business and marketing. However, one can object here, recalling why he was thinking about the concept of motivation and personality Abraham Maslow. The pyramid of needs appeared for the reason that the author sought to find answers to questions that were not covered either in behaviorism or in Freudianism. A theory developed by a scientist is not a technique, but rather a philosophy.

Advantages and disadvantages

Maslow's pyramid (examples of the five basic levels were given above) is not a simple classification of needs. It is assumed that human needs are subject to a certain hierarchy. So, basic and more sublime needs are distinguished. We pass through all levels, while the following law is observed: basic desires dominate. Needs of a higher level come to the surface and become motives for behavior in a situation where all lower ones are already satisfied.

In this case, it is important to take into account one feature. So, the forms of manifestation of needs in different people can radically differ. This also applies to the desire to be recognized and loved. For example, it is quite enough for one person to establish a trusting relationship with children, while another will certainly strive to become an influential political figure. A similar range within one need can be observed at any level of the pyramid. In order to avoid disappointment in life, you should listen to your desires, interpret them properly and try to satisfy them in the most adequate way.

Maslow's famous theory. Pyramid of needs in practice

The aspirations of individuals are not subject to transformation. The only thing that can be different is the way they are satisfied. How to apply the scientist's theory in real life? Having considered the levels Maslow's pyramids, the personnel manager can build the most effective motivation ladder in a particular situation. When it comes to finding a job, it's important to start by defining your own goals. Ask yourself what you want from a certain position. What factors are important? Having dealt with personal motives, you can avoid mistakes in choosing a company or even a profession.

Marketing

The pyramid of needs according to Maslow (its levels were briefly discussed above) is often used in this professional field. Some experienced marketers argue that guided by the presented hierarchy of human aspirations, it is possible to identify what level of needs are being served. specific company. It is no secret that the activity of a particular firm is directly dependent on the dynamics and state of the needs markets that are satisfied. For example, when the economy is in crisis, the needs of consumers rapidly drop by lower levels notorious pyramid.

As for the needs for food, they are eternal. The same can be said about medical services. But the desire to follow fashion trends is leveled as income decreases. Basic principle strategic planning any type of activity - the need to keep abreast of the needs of the market. If there is a trend in the development of one of the needs, it makes sense to tune in to its service.

As John Sheildreck pointed out, the levels of Maslow's pyramid of needs are relevant only to humans. Apply the postulates of this theory to large companies is meaningless, since the behavior of organizations is particularly complex, and for its analysis it is necessary to arm ourselves with other theoretical tools.

Planning

Maslow's reasoning about human needs, according to experts, can be useful in the process of making long-term forecasts or plans. Taking into account the degree of satisfaction of the needs of different social groups, it is easier to predict which desires will be dominant in the long term (in a year, five or even more years). Based on the received data, it is possible to develop and bring certain services and goods to the market in an effective way.

Theory of needs. Modern version

Do you believe that children are the meaning of life? If the answer is yes, then you will undoubtedly be close to the idea of ​​​​the existence of an alternative pyramid of needs. In the course of scientific research, psychologists have established that caring for children, caring for them, teaching, feeding, and the like is a need that is located in the depths of the subconscious. Her satisfaction is considered a natural component of human essence.

American psychologists have proposed their own version of the considered pyramid. As the researchers noted, although implementation is undoubtedly a significant motive, it cannot be considered leading from the point of view of evolutionary theory. The vast majority of the actions listed by Maslow in his theory reflect the basic biological needs based on obtaining a status in order to attract a partner and then continue their own kind. As noted by one of the participants in the ongoing experiments - Douglas Kenrick - among the fundamental aspirations of people, the main thing is the desire to have offspring. That is why the upbringing of children can be considered the basic level in the pyramid of needs of the modern type.

Conclusion

Aspirations to a large extent determine the behavior of people. To understand human nature, it is important to consider the needs of different levels. In this case, it will be possible to find an explanation for most of the actions of people.

To live, be healthy and happy, people need food, air, sleep, etc. These needs are self-satisfied throughout life. They largely depend on human behavior. So, each patient needs food, but not everyone reacts to a tray of food in the same way: one, smiling, will say “thank you” and start eating with pleasure, the other, looking at the dishes, will make it clear with facial expressions and words that “this” he is will not, the third will prefer to sleep first, and then eat. Thus, all patients have a different need for food. It turns out that the disease also interferes with the satisfaction of needs, leads to discomfort.

In 1943, the American psychologist A. Maslow developed the theory of the hierarchy of needs that determine human behavior. According to his theory, some needs for a person are more important than others. This provision made it possible to classify them according to a hierarchical system: from physiological (lower level) to needs for self-expression (higher level). A. Maslow depicted the levels of human needs in the form of a pyramid.

This figure has a wide base (foundation). In the pyramid, the physiological needs of a person form the foundation of his life. The ability to satisfy their needs in people is different and depends on several factors: age, environment knowledge, skills, desires and abilities of the person himself. First of all, they satisfy the needs of the lower order, i.e. physiological.

To live, a person needs to satisfy the physiological needs for air, food, water. In addition, each of us needs movement, sleep, physiological needs, as well as communication with people, satisfaction of our sexual needs.

There are several classifications of needs. According to the classification of A. Maslow, each person has 14 vital needs:

4) highlight

5) move

6) be healthy (maintain condition)

7) maintain body temperature

8) sleep and rest

9) dress up and have fun

10) be clean

11) avoid danger

12) communicate

13) have life values

14) work, play and learn.

It should be remembered that physiological needs are the same for all people, but are satisfied to varying degrees.

The need for oxygen (normal breathing) is the basic physiological need of a person. Breath and life are inseparable concepts. Man learned a long time ago: While I breathe I hope . Many words in Russian have a "breathing" meaning: rest, inspiration, spirit, etc. Maintaining this need should be a priority for the nurse. The cerebral cortex is very sensitive to lack of oxygen. With a lack of oxygen, breathing becomes frequent and superficial, shortness of breath appears. For example, a prolonged decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the tissues leads to cyanosis: the skin and visible mucous membranes become bluish. A person, satisfying the need for oxygen, maintains the gas composition of the blood necessary for life.

Need for food. Nutrition is essential for maintaining health and wellness. Parents, satisfying the baby's need for rational nutrition, show not only parental care, but also provide the child with the opportunity for normal growth and development. Rational nutrition of an adult helps to eliminate risk factors for many diseases.

Adequate nutrition in case of illness contributes to recovery. Thus, the high protein content in food promotes the healing of wounds, including bedsores.

An unmet human need for nutrition often leads to a deterioration in well-being and health.

Fluid requirement. A healthy person should drink 2.5-3 liters of fluid daily. This amount of liquid makes up for physiological losses in the form of urine, sweat, feces and fumes during breathing. To maintain water balance, a person must consume more fluids than excrete, otherwise signs of dehydration appear. The ability of the patient to avoid many complications depends on the knowledge and skills of the nurse to anticipate dehydration.

The need for physiological functions. The undigested part of the food is excreted from the body in the form of feces. The act of defecation and urination is individual for everyone, and their satisfaction cannot be postponed for a long time. Most people consider these processes personal, intimate and prefer not to discuss them. Concerning nurse When assisting a patient who has problems with the administration of physiological needs, should be especially delicate and, respecting the individual's right to privacy, provide him with the opportunity for privacy.

The need for sleep and rest. A. Maslow also relates to physiological needs. The alternation of periods of sleep - wakefulness is the main background for the daily activities of a person.

Sleep deprivation is the second leading cause of fatigue after housework. In cases where a person finds time for doing business at the expense of sleep, he increases the debt of sleep deprivation, since the duration of sleep modern man necessary for a normal existence, not less than seven hours.

Lack of sleep is detrimental to a person's health. The level of glucose in the blood plasma decreases, the nutrition of the brain changes, short-term memory slows down, the speed and accuracy of calculations slow down, and the ability to learn decreases. We know that we spend a third of our lives sleeping. A sick person needs sleep even more, because it helps to improve well-being.

Need for movement. Restriction of mobility or immobility creates many problems for a person. Immobility is a condition in which a person cannot move or has difficulty in the movements necessary for normal functioning. This condition can be long-term or short-term, transient or permanent. It may be due to the forced use of orthopedic systems (tire, traction, corset or any special means for holding the body), pain (in the joints, back); chronic disease (arthritis, residual effects of cerebrovascular accident), mental disorder (depression).

Let's say that you came home and you urgently need to finish reading a chapter of some interesting book, but you are experiencing incredibly strong hunger. Will you, in this case, take up the book first, and not the refrigerator door? Unlikely. It's all about the basic needs that every person has, and Maslow's pyramid systematized them.

The main concept is as follows - until a person satisfies his basic desires, for example, does not satisfy his hunger, he will not think about the high. Naturally, there are exceptions that only confirm the rule - after all, all people are different. But nevertheless, it was possible to put forward several main assumptions, which later formed the basis of the diagram, where the needs are arranged according to the hierarchy - step by step, from the lowest levels to the highest.

Maslow's theory is based on such ideas. The pyramid, according to many sources, appeared later - the psychologist's thoughts were simply designed in a more convenient and visual form.

However, one cannot be equal only to this table, since all different goals in life. For someone, the priority is power and its achievement, someone will have enough respect in the family circle.

Maslow's pyramid consists of 5 main categories, also called steps:

1. Basic, physiological needs: hunger, thirst, procreation.
2. Needs for protection and security; comfort.
3. Social needs: the presence of a couple, family, friends, the need for care and love.
4. The need for success and recognition.
5. Spiritual needs: self-development, self-expression, self-identification.

The further a person reaches in his aspirations, the more he is developed spiritually and emotionally, the more clearly the qualities of his personality and character are manifested, the more he is aware of his actions. There are those people who will go far for their ideals - they may even neglect the satisfaction of basic needs, just to achieve what they want.

Stage one: physiological needs

The needs of this category are those that are also called instinctive. They are the most basic, and it is on them that a person pays attention in the first place. If he does not satisfy the desires of the first level, then he simply cannot exist normally. An example is the feeling of hunger. It is unlikely that you will go to achieve success in business without having a hearty breakfast first. This level also includes:

• oxygen;
• sexual desire;
• in addition to the food itself - water (drink).

Although these needs are important, they do not dominate the personality all the time. It is enough to satisfy them minimally in order to move to the next step in Maslow's pyramid. Frequent "failures" of diets - too good example.

The average woman who doesn't have too much of a desire to lose weight will still break loose sooner or later, because she has a need to satisfy her hunger.

Stage two: the need for protection

When a small child is afraid of monsters under the bed, he absolutely does not care what his peers think of him at that moment. The only thing he wants to do is call his parents for help. He does it. This is the manifestation of the needs of the second level: a person needs comfort. If he is not there, then he feels uncomfortable, cannot concentrate on doing other things, becomes irritated.

That is why the constant contact with the mother or father is so important for the child. In loved ones you can see safety, a true friend who will always save and support.

The popularity of religion is also due to the need for protection. Feeling the patronage of higher powers, a person calms down, believes that everything is fine, and that help will definitely come if something bad happens.

Stage three: social needs

A person wants to join society and become part of it. He is afraid of loneliness. Such a need becomes significant when the needs of the previous stages are satisfied.

All their lives, people are looking for company - a soul mate, family, true friends. In adolescence, the need to be a part of something becomes dominant, overshadowing everything else. That is why there are subcultures, groups, where there is a clear leader - everyone else follows him. Teenagers very often look for an idol to inherit his behavior.

Over time, the circle of acquaintances narrows. Usually, a few close friends remain next to a person, the rest remain at the level of friends. Of course, everything here also depends on a certain type of personality, because there are those who, even in adulthood, strive for new acquaintances. However, usually people try to become a full-fledged, formed unit of society. To do this, you must have a permanent partner, children, a few good friends. When this need is satisfied, a person thinks about success.

Step Four: The Need for Success and Recognition

When there is both a family and a house, thoughts come to mind that something else needs to be done so that the name is heard, so that others talk about you. However, as noted at the beginning of the article, Maslow's pyramid also allows for the fact that for some, a reliable reputation is enough only in the circle of relatives. Most begin to look for themselves in another. This is how ideas are born about creating new projects, about starting a business. Most often, this satisfaction of this need becomes a priority for teenagers (to do something that others do not do to look cooler) and for people who have already more or less settled down.

Anyone will be pleased if others appreciate what he does, respect him not only as a cell of society, but also as a person. That is why it is so popular to say that a job you like ceases to be a job - a person who has intrinsic motivation and the desire to do something will do it even if there is no reward for it, except for the attention and approval from others. Because of this, the fourth level is so connected with the fifth, last, highest level.

Stage Five: Spiritual Needs

When a person finds his recognition and does everything to achieve mastery in this area, he is at the very top step of the Maslow pyramid. Many want to engage in self-development, since this feeling is inherent in all people, but few really begin to develop spiritually. Maslow believed there were several reasons for this:

• fear of being rejected, misunderstood (usually comes from childhood);
• stereotypes that have taken root in society (they are the ones that prevent women from mastering “male” professions, and men from “female” ones);
• fear of taking risks (a sense of security is violated, there is no satisfaction of the second level according to Maslow's pyramid).

A person who is able to resist is ready to move forward. Usually she already has a set of qualities acquired through life experience - creativity, democratic character, acceptance of not only herself, but also human nature, resistance to social stereotypes, independence, willingness to learn from herself and others.
Abraham Maslow believed that only 2-3% of people reach the last step.

Maslow's pyramid has more detailed classification consisting of 7 levels. The first four needs remain the same as in the first classification (physiology; safety; care and love; success and recognition). The fifth step is divided into three levels:

• needs for knowledge of the surrounding world;
• needs for beauty, aesthetics, improvement of the bad;
• self-development.

Five (or seven) steps only reflect the basic needs of humanity, and Maslow's pyramid can be useful in that it teaches you to correctly understand and, most importantly, accept your desires and needs. It is worth remembering that everything, first of all, depends on the person himself, on his way of thinking and goals for the future.

("Pyramid" A. Maslow) - the theory of motivation, according to which all the needs of an individual can be placed in a “pyramid” as follows: at the base of the “pyramid” are the most important human needs, without which the biological existence of a person is impossible, at higher levels of the “pyramid” there are needs that characterize a person as a social being and as a person.

brief information by term

A. Maslow's hierarchy of needs, one of the most famous theories of the content of motivation, is based on the results of numerous psychological research. Needs are considered as a conscious absence of something, causing an impulse to action. Needs are divided into primary, characterizing a person as a biological organism, and cultural or higher, characterizing a person as a social being and personality.

According to the theory of A. Maslow, the needs of the first level are physiological(the need for food, rest, warmth, etc.) - are innate and inherent in all people. And the needs of higher levels of the “pyramid” can appear only if a certain level of satisfaction of the needs of the previous level is reached.

So, need for security, protection and order arises if the physiological needs of a person are satisfied by at least 85%.

Social needs (for friendship, respect, approval, recognition, love) arise when the need for security is met by 70%.

Social needs must also be satisfied by 70% in order for a person to have need for self-respect, which implies the achievement of a certain social status, freedom of action.

When the need for self-esteem is satisfied by 60%, the person begins to experience need for self-actualization, self-expression, realization of their creative potential. This last need is the most difficult to satisfy, and even when a person reaches 40% of the level of self-actualization, a person feels happy, but only 1-4% of the Earth's population reach this level.

From the point of view of personnel management and the introduction of a labor motivation system, it is extremely important to achieve the necessary level of satisfaction of physiological, social needs and the need for security, so that the employee has a need for self-expression, and also create conditions for its implementation at this enterprise.

Publications

Brandin V.A. Personnel as an interested party in the enterprise management system
The role of personnel in the efficiency of the enterprise is considered. Personnel motivation is considered as one of the main components of management.

Motivation and reward
Selection of materials on the motivation and material stimulation of the labor of personnel.

Gromova D. Motivation of personnel in the conditions of anti-crisis management and restructuring
Approaches to the motivation of personnel at JSC Volgograd Tractor Plant at various stages (anti-crisis management, restructuring, implementation of reforms) of the activity of this enterprise are considered.

Volgina O.N. Features and mechanisms of labor motivation in financial and credit organizations
Both existing principles and new approaches to strengthening labor motivation and the most efficient use of potential are considered and analyzed. employees financial and credit organizations (on the example of a commercial bank).

Democritus called needs the main driving force, thanks to which humanity received the mind, language and thinking. Abraham Maslow packed all needs into a pyramid over half a century ago. Today, his theory is used in work, business and criticized at the same time. To learn how to use it to your advantage, you need to figure out how Maslow's pyramid works, what parts it consists of and why the steps are built in that sequence.

What is Maslow's pyramid

Maslow's pyramid is a schematic depiction of all human needs, from the simplest and most urgent to the most sublime. Back in 1943, the psychologist Abraham Maslow described the pyramid of values ​​with one goal in mind: to understand what motivates people to do certain things. Maslow himself only formulated this concept, and his students came up with a visual diagram.

Pyramid of Needs

American psychologist with Ukrainian roots Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was one of the first to study people's behavior from a positive point of view. Prior to this, all psychotherapy was reduced to the study of mental abnormalities or behavior outside the norm. Together with the founders of Gestalt therapy, Maslow formulated the main methods of psychoanalysis that psychotherapists use in their sessions.

What does Maslow's pyramid look like?

Usually the pyramid is depicted as a triangle:

• The lowest and widest part are the physiological needs of the body. Our body is historically programmed to satisfy the need for food, thirst, sleep, sex. If it wants to eat or go to the toilet, then the brain is not capable of thinking about anything else.
• Second step- the need for security. Like physiology, safety has been hardwired into our DNA since the time of the apes. The vital tasks of our ancestors were simple and uncomplicated: 1. Eat. 2. Reproduce. 3. Avoid the danger of being eaten. They helped humanity survive, which is why the need for security is also called the physiological fight-or-flight response.
• Third step- the need for love and belonging to a group was also laid down in the days of cave dwellers, when it was simply impossible to survive alone. But it was precisely for life in a group that a person needed a new skill. This is will power. If you don’t connect it in time, you can easily be fined and be expelled from the cave or into modern conditions, be blocked in the social network.
• Fourth and fifth- the need for respect and knowledge. They are so interconnected that they come together. Indeed, among scientists and inventors, for example, the need for knowledge is much stronger than for recognition. For example, Grigory Perelman spent his whole life proving and proving Poincaré's theory, and then refused the prize and all titles.
• Sixth step- aesthetic needs. These are museums, exhibitions, music, dances, hobbies, everything that brings pleasure to the soul and forms the intellect.
• seventh step- the need for self-actualization or the desire to reveal one's spiritual potential. Here, too, not everything is clear. According to the logic of the pyramid structure, this need must be realized last. But after all, monks achieve the realization of their spiritual potential precisely by subduing their other needs.

Controversy over Maslow's pyramid

Maslow's pyramid of needs is often mentioned today not in connection with psychology, but with trade. It is used by marketers and sales representatives all ranks. On profile ones, they argue: if you “hit” the most basic needs of a person, you will surely be able to motivate him to purchase a product or service. But not everything is as simple as it seems.

The controversy over Maslow's pyramid of needs continues unabated. The first thing that makes this theory doubtful is the story of how Maslow himself selected people for research. At first he was looking for ideal people. But I didn't find it. After that, the harsh selection conditions were gradually softened, and a sufficient number of volunteers for testing were selected. But they were all close to the concept of "ideal man". In practice, there are few such people. Practice, as you know, is the criterion of truth.

The second thing that worries modern psychologists is “ inverted pyramid”, when self-improvement and self-actualization are at the forefront. When a person puts a certain ideal in front of him, strives for it and does not even understand why he needs all this. And the “medical reference book effect” also works: you read the reference book and immediately find all the diseases in yourself. Only today they read not reference books, but incredible stories of reincarnation, achievement, takeoff. And they seem to themselves imperfect, unworthy of something good. And only endless self-improvement will help correct the “non-ideality”.

Australian diplomat and scholar John Burton (1915-2010) developed and promoted Another Vision of Maslow's Pyramid. He considered a person as a whole person, for whom all needs are equally important. That is, none of the needs is considered lower or higher, needs cannot be excluded, ignored, be the subject of a deal or agreement.

But any theory is just a theory. The pyramid will remain beautiful picture, if it is not clear how you can apply it in real life.

How to "apply" the pyramid of human needs in everyday life

Example 1. Advertising agent

Not only advertising agents can use the pyramid of needs. We ourselves can understand ourselves and understand why we make certain purchases. After all, we often buy not an iPhone, but the opportunity to join the “club of the elite” (belonging to a group), we dream not about a fur coat, but about the opportunity to be cooler than a rival (need for recognition). Such introspection will help not only to understand yourself, but also to learn to resist persistent advertising and unreasonable spending.

Example 2. Hungry husband

In fact, this scheme was described in fairy tales: “feed the good fellow, give him a drink, steam in the bath, and then ask questions.” To paraphrase: satisfy the basic needs according to Maslow's pyramid and then already load your husband with smart conversations. But this rule applies not only during dinner. Often we work, forget about lunch and rest, with a headache we start to decide global problems, and then we are surprised "something the head does not cook." Sometimes it’s enough just to have a snack or sleep for half an hour and the brain will reboot on its own.

Example 3: Career changes

Many stories are published on the net today about how important it is to fulfill oneself in the profession “at the call of the heart”. One gets the impression that it is worth abandoning the hated work and the soul will turn around, ideas will start to beat with a fountain. And here it is not. The network publishes only success stories, and most of the failure stories remain behind the scenes. People leave with the desire to change their lives. And a month later they face a problem: their favorite business does not bring the expected income and one day there is simply nothing to buy food. And then the panic begins. And in a panic to create somehow does not work. Therefore, career strategy consultants advise finding a job that will bring a stable income and leave time for what you love. To paraphrase: when there is nothing to eat (physiology) and nothing to pay for an apartment (security), then your favorite business is not happy.

Example 4. Difficult teenager

It is especially important for a teenager to feel belonging to a group. Therefore, all these teenage movements, online groups, correspondence, secret societies arise. Some parents act radically - forbid. But forbidding a child to communicate means depriving him of a basic need. Therefore, psychologists advise not to ban, but to replace groups. For example, instead of playing online, get a teenager interested in sports. Then one group will be replaced by another, and nothing will need to be banned.

Example 5. Ideal partner

On request in a search engine "How to choose a partner" the system offers hundreds of links for testing. Who makes these tests is not clear. But in the pyramid of needs, everything is simple and clear. At first, you can just look at it on your own and understand what you want from life. Then you can talk about the needs with the chosen one. Someone constantly wants to go to exhibitions and refresher courses, and someone wants to eat and sit in social networks. Maybe it's better to discuss the difference in tastes in the early stages than to be disappointed in relationships and family life later?

Conclusion: the Maslow pyramid is another way to understand the jungle of our desires and real needs.