Question

Maslow's hierarchy includes hunger as a physiological need at the lowest level. How might psychosocial hunger factors change this view of hunger and where it fits in the hierarchy?

A. Hunger would remain at the lowest level.
B. Hunger would move up the hierarchy to the self-esteem level.
C. Hunger would move up the hierarchy to the love and belonging level.
D. Hunger would move up the hierarchy to the self-actualization level.

Answer 1

While hunger is a physiological need, psychosocial factors can elevate it to reflect higher-level motives in Maslow's hierarchy, particularly relating to love and belonging or self-actualization, as seen in acts like political hunger strikes. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Hunger would move up the hierarchy to the love and belonging level.

Step-by-step explanation:

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs places hunger as a physiological need at the lowest level, which is fundamental for survival. However, if we consider psychosocial factors impacting hunger, such as self-sacrifice for a cause or a hunger strike for political protest, hunger can reflect higher-level motives. While hunger primarily satisfies the physiological need for food, in some cases, it may also serve psychosocial needs higher up on the hierarchy.

Such psychosocial dimensions of hunger could move it up the hierarchy into the realms of love and belonging or even self-actualization, not for the act of eating itself but for the social or political implications associated with hunger. Gandhi's hunger strikes,

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Hunger would move up the hierarchy to the love and belonging level. However, it is essential to note that this wouldn't change the fundamental nature of hunger as a physiological need but could overlay social meanings onto it within Maslow's hierarchy.