Max-Neef and his colleagues have developed a taxonomy of human needs and a process by which communities can identify their “wealths” and “poverties” according to how these needs are satisfied.
Fundamental Human Needs | Being (qualities) | Having(things) | Doing (actions) | Interacting (settings) |
subsistence | physical and mental health | food, shelter work | feed, clothe, rest, work | living environment, social setting |
protection | care, adaptability autonomy | social security, health systems, work | co-operate, plan, take care of, help | social environment, dwelling |
affection | respect, sense of humour, generosity, sensuality | friendships, family, relationships with nature | share, take care of, make love, expressemotions | privacy, intimate spaces of togetherness |
understanding | critical capacity, curiosity, intuition | literature, teachers, policies educational | analyse, study,meditate investigate, | schools, families universities, communities, |
participation | receptiveness, dedication, sense of humour | responsibilities, duties, work, rights | cooperate, dissent, express opinions | associations, parties, churches, neighbourhoods |
leisure | imagination,tranquility spontaneity | games, parties, peace of mind | day-dream, remember,relax, have fun | landscapes, intimate spaces, places to be alone |
creation | imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity | abilities, skills, work,techniques | invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret | spaces forexpression, workshops, audiences |
identity | sense ofbelonging, self- esteem, consistency |
language, religions, work, customs,values, norms | get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself | places one belongs to,everyday settings |
freedom | autonomy, passion, self-esteem,open-mindedness | equal rights | dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness | anywhere |