What is Maslow's Pyramid?

What Does Maslow's pyramid Mean

We explain what Maslow's pyramid is and how it prioritizes the different needs of people. Example of each step.

It was proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943.

What is Maslow's Pyramid?

Maslow's Pyramid, also called the Pyramid of Human Needs or "the carrot" ( The Carrot ), is a psychological theory that prioritizes the various aspects of the needs of human beings , and organized into a structure pyramid (or carrot inverted ). It was proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943, in his book A Theory of Human Motivation (in English: A Theory of Human Motivation ).

The hierarchy that organizes the needs of human beings in this pyramid comprises five levels (listed in ascending order):

  1. 1. Basic or physiological needs . The most basic of the needs refers to those necessary for the immediate physical survival of the individual, such as breathing , hydrating, feeding , sleeping, avoiding pain, eliminating body waste, maintaining body temperature , etc.
  2. 2. Security and protection needs. These are needs related to taking shelter from the elements, as well as the necessary resources to sustain life over time, such as a home, material resources, medicines, etc.
  3. 3. Social or affiliation needs. Those linked to the gregarious and social nature of the human being, such as friendship , partner, companionship relationships, etc.
  4. 4. Esteem or recognition needs. Those that are linked to social positioning, the appreciation of others or recognition in a relevant professional or vital area. It is divided into two different areas, according to Marlow:
    • High estimate. It has to do with the individual's respect for himself, his self-worth, confidence, competence , achievements, independence, etc.
    • Low estimate. It refers to the respect that comes from others, such as attention, public recognition, fame, glory, dignity , etc.
  5. 5. Self-actualization needs. The highest rung of the pyramid has to do with vital motivation , the highest psychological need of human beings, which has to do with finding an intimate meaning to existence.

Maslow's theory started from the fact that the satisfaction of higher needs cannot occur until the lower ones have been completely covered. In this sense, he divided the pyramid into two sets: the first four levels were considered “deficit needs” (deficit needs or D-needs) and the top of the pyramid “need of being or self-realization” (being needs or B-needs ), since the realization of the latter depended mainly on the previous ones.

Maslow affirmed that only the deficiencies or dissatisfactions of these steps mobilized people , since the satisfied need does not generate any behavior.

On the other hand, of all the needs of the Maslow Pyramid, only those of the first step are born with the human being , the others are acquired as they integrate into society . For this reason they predominate above the upper ones, and only by satisfying the lower rung can the pyramid be climbed. On the other hand, the needs for self-realization do not appear in all individuals, and disappear from sight if one of the most basic needs fails momentarily.

See also: Human development

Example of Maslow's Pyramid

Here is a fictitious example of the five rungs of the pyramid:

  1. 1. Provide a transcendent artistic work to humanity .
  2. 2. Carry out a college career and win artistic awards.
  3. 3. Friends, especially from the artistic field. Have occasional lovers.
  4. 4. Have a stable house, a bed and an artistic workshop. To have a job.
  5. 5. Eat, drink water , sleep and bathe daily.
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