A MIRROR
Where do we stand in the broader perspective of the global
village! Our historic background is full of resources that could support us as
a nation to lead the world. Above all the teaching of the Holly Quran and our
prophet are more than appropriate to have a comfortable life here and
thereafter.
Fortunately we as a nation has been blessed by philosopher
like Allama Mohammad Iqbal, educationist like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Quide
Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan is the net result of their dedication,
determination and honest efforts. They created a team of high caliber people to
achieve their objective.
Since 1947, we are in turmoil in one way or the other. Even then we are moving
forward though we could not achieve the desired pace of development.
When I was studying Bachelor of Social Work in New Zealand
as a part of my studies I got the opportunity to go through ‘The hierarchic
theory of Abraham Maslow’. I would like to share the same with my friends. This
is a mirror to see our real image as a nation. I prepared this article during
my studies. At this stage I am unable to give the exact in accordance with APA.
I would apologize for that.
Culture is a way of life developed by a group of individuals or a community
on account of experiences and long interaction with each other. Existence and
expansion of a culture depends upon its diversities and dynamicity. It provides
all necessary basic needs which are required by an individual or a group of
individuals. These needs vary from survival to the self esteem.
The hierarchic theory of Abraham Maslow is represented as a pyramid, with
the larger, lower levels representing the lower needs, and the upper point
representing the need for self-actualization and it reflects culture of a
community. It is relevant to the concept of culture. A culture provides an
environment where all the needs of the community such as physiological, safety,
love and affection, high level of respect and exposure of self talent are met.
Maslow has set up a hierarchy of five
levels of basic needs. In the levels of the five basic needs, the person does
not feel the second need until the demands of the first have been satisfied.
The third level is accepted until the second has been satisfied, and so on.
Maslow's basic needs are as follows:
Physiological Needs
These are biological needs. They
consist of needs for oxygen, food, water, clothing and shelter. The culture of
a community is based on the individuals and their existence depends upon their
survival. Food, clothes and houses are the basic needs for the community.
Safety Needs
When all physiological needs are
satisfied and are no longer controlling thoughts and behaviors, the needs for
security can become active. It includes security of jobs, access to the
resources and the benefits. The culture of a group of people provides safety of
life, security to the children, adults and old people.
Needs of Love, Affection and Belongingness
When the needs for safety and for
physiological well-being are satisfied, the next class of needs for love,
affection and belongingness can emerge. Maslow states that people seek to
overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation. This involves both giving and
receiving love, affection and the sense of belonging. Education, respect and
sense of well-being are the important factors of a culture.
Needs for Esteem
When the first three classes of
needs are satisfied, the needs for esteem can become dominant. These involve
needs for self respect and confidence. It is the desire of human being to
receive and to give respect to others. These needs are the prominent dimensions
of a culture.
Needs for Self-Actualization
When all of the four needs are
satisfied, then the needs for self-actualization activated. Maslow describes
self-actualization as a person's need to be and do that which the person was
“born to do”. These needs in a culture are covered by art and literary
activities, games and sports, music and songs.
The hierarchic theory is often represented as a pyramid, with the larger,
lower levels representing the lower needs, and the upper point representing the
need for self-actualization.
Maslow
believes that the only reason that people would not move well in direction of
self-actualization is because of hindrances placed in their way by society. He
states that education is one of these hindrances. He recommends ways education
can switch from its usual person-stunting tactics to person-growing approaches.
Maslow states that educators should respond to the potential an individual has
for growing into a self-actualizing person of his/her own kind. Ten points that
educators should address are listed:
- We should teach people to be authentic,
to be aware of their inner selves and to hear their inner-feeling voices.
- We should teach people to transcend
their cultural conditioning and become world citizens.
- We should help people discover
their vocation in life, their calling, fate or destiny. This is
especially focused on finding the right career and the right mate.
- We should teach people that life
is precious, that there is joy to be experienced in life, and if
people are open to seeing the good and joyous in all kinds of situations,
it makes life worth living.
- We must accept the person
as he or she is and help the person learn their inner nature. From real
knowledge of aptitudes and limitations we can know what to build upon,
what potentials are really there.
- We must see that the person's
basic needs are satisfied. This includes safety, belongingness,
and esteem needs.
- We should refreshen
consciousness, teaching the person to appreciate beauty and the other
good things in nature and in living.
- We should teach people that controls
are good, and complete abandon is bad. It takes control to improve
the quality of life in all areas.
- We should teach people to
transcend the trifling problems and grapple with the serious problems
in life. These include the problems of injustice, of pain, suffering,
and death.
- We must teach people to be good
choosers. They must be given practice in making good choices.
