maslow theory of motivation

Maslow’s Theory of Motivation (Hierarchy of Needs)

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Maslow’s Theory of Motivation is very famous in psychology. It is also called the “Hierarchy of Needs,” presented by Abraham Maslow in 1943. Basic needs must be fulfilled first; only then higher-level needs become important.

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According to Maslow, human life has several types of needs. These needs are arranged in a hierarchy – basic needs must be fulfilled first, and only then higher-level needs become important. He explained these needs in the form of a five-level pyramid structure:

1. Physiological Needs

  • This is the most basic level.Includes food, water, air, sleep, clothing, and shelter. A human as a basic need you required first food cloth and after that home .these are eccential needs for every body and it is common to upper class family or middle class but for lower middle class basically It is the first priority.
  • As a Report
  • Includes food, water, air, sleep, clothing, and shelter. Globally, a significant portion of the population still lacks basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. According to the World Bank and UN reports, about 9% of the world’s population (around 700 million people) live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 a day. Roughly 8.9% face chronic hunger, meaning they do not get enough food. Millions also lack adequate housing; estimates suggest over 1.6 billion people live in substandard housing or are homeless. While progress has been made in reducing poverty, inequality, conflict, and climate change continue to prevent many from fulfilling these basic human needs.

Key point: Until these are met, a person’s focus remains on them.

2. Safety Needs

  • Desire for physical security and stability.
  • The desire for physical security and stability is a fundamental human need that goes beyond food and shelter. It reflects the instinct to feel safe from harm, danger, or uncertainty in daily life. People seek protection from physical threats such as violence, accidents, or natural disasters, as well as financial and health-related insecurities. Stability provides predictability, allowing individuals to plan for the future with confidence. A secure environment, steady income, healthcare, and reliable shelter all contribute to this sense of safety. Without physical security and stability, individuals experieces, making it difficult to focus on higher aspirations.
  • Job , health, protection from accidents, financial security, and home safety.

Key point: Once basic needs are satisfied, safety becomes important.

3. Social Needs (Love & Belongingness)

  • Family, friendship, love, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging.
  • Humans are social beings, so they seek affection and relationships.
  • Family, friendship, love, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging are core social needs that nurture human well-being. These bonds provide comfort, trust, and support, helping individuals feel valued and understood. Belonging to a family, group, or community reduces loneliness and fosters identity. Friendships and love create emotional security, while strong relationships encourage resilience during challenges. These connections satisfy the human longing for acceptance and togetherness, forming the foundation for happiness, personal growth, and healthy social development.

4. Esteem Needs

  • Self-respect, respect from others, recognition, reputation, and a sense of achievement.
  • Self-respect, respect from others, recognition, reputation, and a sense of achievement are essential for building esteem needs. Self-respect arises from valuing oneself, maintaining dignity, and believing in one’s abilities. Respect from others validates one’s worth in society, creating confidence and motivation. Recognition and appreciation encourage individuals to strive harder , while reputation reflects how others perceive their character and contributions. A sense of achievement strengthens inner confidence and fulfillment. When these needs are met, individuals feel capable and empowered. So we should respect to each others ,because it is also part of human development,encourages.

5. Self-Actualization Needs

  • The highest level.
  • At this stage, a person seeks to realize their full potential.
  • Creativity, knowledge, morality, spirituality, and understanding the true purpose of life.
  • Creativity, knowledge, morality, spirituality, and understanding the true purpose of life are central to the highest human need—self-actualization. Creativity allows individuals to express themselves, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. It is not limited to art but extends to problem-solving, invention, and unique thinking. Knowledge represents the pursuit of truth, learning, and intellectual growth, which broadens perspective and enables wise decisions. Morality guides people in distinguishing right from wrong, shaping ethical behavior that benefits both the individual and the community. Spirituality provides inner peace, connection to the divine, or alignment with higher consciousness, offering strength during challenges and a sense of transcendence beyond material life. Understanding the true purpose of life ties these elements together, encouraging individuals to seek meaning rather than live mechanically. It may involve service to others, self-discovery, or striving toward one’s highest potential. When people achieve this level, they move beyond survival and social validation toward inner fulfillment. They live authentically, aligned with values and truth, experiencing joy and peace that external rewards cannot provide. Ultimately, these aspects help individuals realize their unique place in the universe, guiding them to live with purpose, compassion, and harmony.

Conclusion

According to Maslow, when one level of need is fulfilled, a person moves to the next. This theory explains that motivation arises from unmet needs that push a person forward.

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