1. Social Comparison Theory & Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Where do you belong?

2. Minds On: Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3gGkiWSzvg
*In groups of 2-3: Discuss the relationships between characters, feelings of characters, dialogue, your impressions *
- Be prepared to report back to the whole class!

3. Learning Goals
Students will be introduced to Social Comparison Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Students will be able to apply these concepts on an individual, family, and societal level as well as create examples

4. Social Comparison Theory
Developed by Leon Festinger
Individuals routinely compare themselves with others when they are unable to judge their status and abilities on their own
Individuals attain more accurate information about themselves and performance in any given field

5. Example

6. Different Kinds of Comparisons
Upwards comparison…
- Occurs when an individual compares themselves to someone who is better off.

7. Different Kinds of Comparisons 2
Downward comparison…
Occurs when an individual compares themselves to someone who is worse off
This generally makes the individual feel better about themself
*Think of an example with a partner!*

8. Apply Social Comparison to:
Individual
Family
Society/Country
Make three groups and brainstorm
- remember, you will be giving feedback to the whole class…

9. What are the benefits? What are the dangers? Give examples 
Things to think about:
What are the benefits? What are the dangers? Give examples 

10. Competitive Emulation
Definition: Keeping pace with others, typically neighbours & coworkers, in material goods and lifestyle

11. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
What drives an individual’s need to belong?
Humanist approach- study of the whole person (behaviour through the eyes of the observer and the eyes of the person doing the behaving)
Abraham Maslow outlines several stages of needs to help explain motivation
Ultimate goal = balance or equilibrium in life
Not all needs are equal

12. Breaking Down the Needs: Deficit Needs
Deficit Needs: categorized as the lower needs, these needs are recurring and need to be fulfilled often Example: Food, water, breathing, sleep

14. Breaking Down the Needs: Being Needs
Being Needs: categorized as the higher needs, these needs rely on intellect and introspection on the part of the individual. They are crucial to developing to the fullest potential as humans. Example: Need to recognize beauty in nature

16. Group Work: Create an example
In groups of 4-5 people
Choose an individual (actor, musician, political figure, comic book character etc)
Apply them to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Share your idea with the class

17. Closing Questions
Which area do you think Canadian high school students are most focused on?  Failure to do so?
What percent of the general population reach “self-actualization” ?