What is one weakness of maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Answer 1

Maslow's theory (the hierarchy of basic human needs) is interesting, but rarely is human behavior as compartmentalized. Some people are able to achieve self-actualization without having some of what Maslow defines as "needs" fulfilled first. Basically he is saying that without your basic survival/safety needs, without love, without a sense of belonging, without self-esteem, without a developed sense of beauty/symmetry/art, without all of that first, you can't become a fully self-actualized person. Some would disagree with that theory. Others might speculate that some of the things he's defined as needs aren't needs at all. No one can deny that food, air, shelter and such are needs, but may argue that esteem, love, artistic expression are not needs but desires. Some may even argue that self-actualization is not imperative to being a happy or successful person.

Answer 2

One key weakness is that Maslow does not take into account individuals who are driven by extrinsic rewards. This means that they respond to something that comes from outside, rather than a need listed in the hierarchy.

Answer 3

One weakness of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that it assumes everyone prioritizes needs in the same order, which may not hold true for everyone. Additionally, the theory does not account for individuals who may pursue higher needs while lower needs remain unfulfilled.