1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (HON)
Abraham Maslow - American humanistic developmental psychologist
1943 “A Theory of Human Motivation”
1954 “Motivation and Personality”
Studied “exemplary” people
Psychology theory that applies to business, management, marketing and education
Human actions are orientated towards goal attainment that requires “basic needs” being met before satisfying successfully “higher needs”. “Deficiency needs” vs “Growth needs”
Maslow suggested fluid fluidity in his model rather than rigid fixed order. He did not propose a pyramidal structure
Maslow’s HON & Education
Important framework for educators in helping to to support all needs of their students
Humanistic education - Maslow / Rogers
Choice and control, felt concern, the whole person, self evaluation, teacher as facilitator
Criticism of Maslow’s HON
Oversimplification
Hierarchy doesn’t take into account acts of selflessness, bravery, charity and heroism
No empirical evidence to support his ideas or confirm causal relationships. Lack of scientific rigour
No concept of social connection and collaboration
Life and possibly education is far messier than hierarchal needs. Neglects unique individual social + intellectual needs
Based on ethnocentricity and Western ideology.Cultural bias
Used top 1 % of achievers. Qualitative biographical analysis. Extremely subjective
Individualistic vs collective societies