What are the basic needs of the human being?

Due to the diversity of theoriesthat have tried to explain the issue of human needs, the concept of basic needs arises to try to encompass in a common what human beings requirefor their survival.

In this article, we will explainwhat basic needs consist of, we will mention their most representative examples and how to satisfy them.

What are basic needs?

The basic, primaryorfundamental human needs, have tried to be explained from different contexts according tothe perspective that has been wanted to focus.

ForAbraham Maslow(1), in hispyramidof the “Theory of Needs”(2) exposes several types of needs, where basic needs comprise a setof 5 levels wherethe physiological need, security, affiliation, recognition and self-realization are found.

On the other hand, forMax Neef(3) and collaborators, needshave a double classification: first, needs calledontologicalneeds and the second category calledaxiological needs.

To highlight: The line that both authors use to characterize basic needs is that theyrefer to the minimum indispensable elements that human beings need for their survival and thatthe well-being and integral development of the individual depends on their adequate satisfaction.

As a purpose for this article, we will focus on the proposal of Neef et al. described in their “Theory of Development on a Human Scale” and the importance of human needs within the context of general welfare. (4)

What are the basic needs?

Below we will briefly explainNeef’s proposal, regarding the classification ofbasic or fundamental needsfrom its humanistic and economic perspective:

1. Subsistence

Within the basic needs of the human being, at this point the minimum conditions necessary for the human being to live are addressed.

This includes physical and mental health, balance, solidarity, humor, which can be satisfied through different satisfiers such as food, shelter or work, seeking survival within the social environment where it develops.

You should know: The satisfiers are referred to everything that, by representing ways of being, having, doing and being, contributes to the realization of human needs. (5)

2. Security

This need , according to Neef , refers to the necessary elements that the individual must have in the aspects of care, adaptability, autonomy, balance and solidarity, to face threats from animals or other humans.

Note: These needs can be satisfied in Neef’s opinion, for example, with  protection through insurance systems, savings, social security , health systems, legislation, rights, family and work.

3. Affection

People are essentially entities that need affection due to their emotional characteristicstag. At this point, the needs for self-esteem , solidarity, respect, tolerance, generosity, receptivity and humor are included.

To highlight: These needs can be covered through the cultivation of friendships, relationships, family integration, pet care, planting gardens, among many others.

4. Education

Education is part of the needs that human beings have, for their development and personal growth.

Here are included in this classification access to literature, contact with teachers, learning methods , the implementation of educational policies and communication policies aimed at the largest possible mass of the population.

You should know: For Neef, a satisfier can contribute to the satisfaction of different needs and a need can require different satisfiers to be satisfied.

5. Recreation

Leisure as a recreational activity is necessary to release tension and stress. Curiosity, imagination, carelessness, humor and tranquility are needs that occupy the human being throughout his life.

Note: These can be satisfied in activities such as the Practice of recreational games , attendance at shows, parties or the practice of activities that induce relaxation and well-being.

6. Identity

In this context, relevance, coherence, individualities, self-esteem andassertivenessare elements that must be covered with satisfierssuch as the use of language, habits, customs practices, participation in social groups, respect for sexuality, values and norms among many others.

7. Participation

Just as man is an affective entity, he also likes to participate and in this context, adaptability, receptivity, solidarity, disposition, respect and humor are deficiencies that must be nourished , for example, through recognition by others. individual and collective rights, the assignment of responsibilities and obligations, as well as respect.

You should know: For the “Theory of development on a human scale” , human needs change at the rate of the evolution of the species , they have a unique trajectory and are universal.

8. Freedom

Freedom is one of the elements most appreciated by humanity , in this sense aspects such as autonomy, self-esteem, passion, assertiveness must be constantly satisfied through the equality of individual and collective rights.

Note: For Neef , development refers to peopleand not objects.

9. Creation

This point is related to the impulse and passion that people have for some activities, their will to carry them out, their intuition, creativity and audacity to do things. All these aresome elements that arise from this need.

These elements can be fed through the development of skillsand abilities, the creation and application of methods and procedures or through work.

To highlight: In relation to the previous points, Neef states that: “Fundamental human needs are finite, few and classifiable and and are the same in all cultures and in all historical periods.”

Key Findings

• Basic or fundamental needs refer to the Minimum Essential Elements that human beings need for their survival.
• In the “Human Scale Development Theory”, satisfiers refer to everything that contributes to the fulfillment of human needs .
• For this theory the needs must be understood from the human perspective.
• The fundamental needs are finite, few and classifiable, being the same in all cultures and in all historical periods.