Human Basic Needs
A traceable requirements framework for what a person needs to survive, belong and flourish, synthesized from nine bodies of literature.
Interactive diagram
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Eight categories
| Category | Includes |
|---|---|
| Physiological and subsistence | Air, water, nutrition, sleep, shelter and physical health. |
| Safety and security | Personal safety, economic and health security, stable order. |
| Love, belonging and connection | Family, friendship, community and social participation. |
| Esteem and recognition | Self-respect, respect from others, competence. |
| Autonomy and freedom | Self-determination, freedom from coercion, civil and political liberty. |
| Understanding and cognitive growth | Education, curiosity, creation and expression. |
| Self-actualization and growth | Realizing potential, meaningful work, continuous growth. |
| Meaning, transcendence and leisure | Leisure and play, existential meaning, connection beyond self. |
Sources
Maslow (1943), Max-Neef, Elizalde and Hopenhayn (1991), Doyal and Gough (1991), Deci and Ryan Self-Determination Theory, Alderfer ERG theory (1969), Sen (1999), the WHO Constitution (1948), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and Frankl (1946).