Need is a word that refers to something that you require in order to survive. You can think of basic needs such as food, water and shelter as being needs that everyone requires to live. Other types of need can be more psychological in nature, such as a person’s desire for self-actualization or their need to belong to a social group or community. It is important to differentiate between needs and wants in order to prioritize the most important areas of your life.
Needs are a common topic of discussion in philosophy, biology, psychology, sociology, economics and marketing. Psychologists such as Abraham Maslow have developed models of need that are based on psychological theories. Maslow’s theory suggests that people must first meet their physiological or basic needs (e.g. food, water and shelter) before they can begin to meet their psychological needs for belonging, esteem and self-actualization.
The academic study of need was at its zenith in the 1950s and currently receives less attention from psychologists than it did in that time period. However, a number of scholars have continued to explore the concept and develop new theories that go beyond a psychological approach. For example, the work of Robert Rosenberg supports people developing awareness of their feelings as indicators, to bring forward their own needs in a relationship, and to use communication to arrive at mutually agreed upon strategies for meeting those needs.
In addition to the Rosenberg model, there is a growing body of literature that focuses on need from a societal perspective. Some authors, such as Doyal and Gough, suggest that a person’s need to avoid harm can be considered a societal need. This concept is similar to the Capability Approach formulated by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, which proposes that people’s need for self-determination is a fundamental human right.
Another type of need is referred to as a Secondary Need, which includes things such as furniture in a home or a garage for storing vehicles. A tertiary need could be an expensive vacation or designer clothes. Usually, a tertiary need is not required to survive, but it may help a person feel satisfied with their lifestyle.
When discussing the difference between need and want, it is important to consider how a need can change over time. You will always need to drink water, but you may decide that you want a glass of wine with dinner. Needs are typically stable, while wants can vary from day to day or hourly. For this reason, it is a good idea to take care of your needs before you start to work on your wants. This will ensure that your basic needs are met and you can focus on the things you really want to do in life. This will lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.