Final answer:
Maslow's hierarchy of needs organizes human needs into a pyramid with physiological needs at the base, ascending to self-actualization at the peak. Lower needs must be met before higher ones, but the model has faced criticism for subjectivity and practical application.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology that prioritizes human needs into a pyramid structure, with basic needs at the bottom and the need for self-actualization at the top. At the base of the pyramid are physiological needs such as food and water, necessary for survival. Following this are layers for safety, belonging and love, esteem, and at the apex, self-actualization, which represents achieving one's full potential. Cognitive and aesthetic needs are included by some as intermediate layers between esteem and self-actualization, while self-transcendence is placed at the top in later versions of the model.
Maslow posited that lower-level needs must be satisfied before one can attend to higher-level needs. For instance, if someone is grappling with hunger, pursuits like self-esteem and recognition take a backseat until the hunger is addressed. Maslow's model suggests that self-actualization and self-transcendence needs signify the pursuit of one's ultimate potential and the quest for a purpose that extends beyond oneself, respectively.
Despite its widespread recognition, Maslow's hierarchy has faced criticism for its subjective nature and lack of real-world application in certain contexts. Nonetheless, it continues to be a valuable framework for understanding motivation and human behavior.