Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Yesterday the power was out from sunrise until 2 pm, a common occurrence here. My first thought was that there would be no WIFI, causing a feeling of irritation. Then I wondered if I had charged my phone the night before, and my tablet so at least I could play some games. Luxury problems.
It got me thinking on what the impact is on people of not having your basic needs met. Take access to water for example, the most fundamental need at the bottom of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Here in the Gambia most people obtain their drinking water from a common well, and in country this could be anywhere from a 5 minutes to half an hour walk away from your compound. The well water is used for cooking, washing, and irrigating crops. Keeping in mind the effort it takes to obtain water, taking a shower is not ranked highly among one’s priorities.
Also at the bottom of Maslow’s table is access to food. Although the basic foodstuffs such as rice and onions are freely available, prices have risen dramatically over the past two years, making them less available for people. The average monthly income here is about 30 euros, and a 50 kg. bag of rice will set you back 20 euros, which will feed one extended family for a month. This leaves 10 euros to pay for other foodstuffs, transportation, clothes, and medicine. Do the math, and you will not be surprised that many people are undernourished. Hunger is real here although it is hidden behind closed doors.
source: J. Finkelstein, Wikipedia
One level higher on the table is employment. During the rainy season (May-October) life slows down considerably due to the high temperatures and lack of tourism. Most hotels and restaurants shut down, and the staff goes home where they tend to their rice paddies. During this time they have no income. Also, jobs here are not granted based on best qualifications, but on who you know and who owes you a favor. I have met gardeners, cooks, painters, security guards, and plumbers who no qualifications whatsoever in their field of work. One day you can eat a lovely meal in your favorite restaurant, the next day it can be a disaster, depending on who is working.
So why bother to get an education, to develop yourself, if you have no prospect for a rewarding and decent paying job?
These are just a few examples on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs table. I could go on to cover access to healthcare, education, proper housing, etc.... but this would take another two pages.
So what does this do to people? Not having their basic needs met takes away their hope for a better future. It also causes a indifference to life in general, and a lack of motivation to undertake something. Ranked in the 4th level of the table is self-esteem, confidence, achievement and respect to and from others. Sadly, they have a long way to get there.
It got me thinking on what the impact is on people of not having your basic needs met. Take access to water for example, the most fundamental need at the bottom of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Here in the Gambia most people obtain their drinking water from a common well, and in country this could be anywhere from a 5 minutes to half an hour walk away from your compound. The well water is used for cooking, washing, and irrigating crops. Keeping in mind the effort it takes to obtain water, taking a shower is not ranked highly among one’s priorities.
Also at the bottom of Maslow’s table is access to food. Although the basic foodstuffs such as rice and onions are freely available, prices have risen dramatically over the past two years, making them less available for people. The average monthly income here is about 30 euros, and a 50 kg. bag of rice will set you back 20 euros, which will feed one extended family for a month. This leaves 10 euros to pay for other foodstuffs, transportation, clothes, and medicine. Do the math, and you will not be surprised that many people are undernourished. Hunger is real here although it is hidden behind closed doors.
source: J. Finkelstein, WikipediaOne level higher on the table is employment. During the rainy season (May-October) life slows down considerably due to the high temperatures and lack of tourism. Most hotels and restaurants shut down, and the staff goes home where they tend to their rice paddies. During this time they have no income. Also, jobs here are not granted based on best qualifications, but on who you know and who owes you a favor. I have met gardeners, cooks, painters, security guards, and plumbers who no qualifications whatsoever in their field of work. One day you can eat a lovely meal in your favorite restaurant, the next day it can be a disaster, depending on who is working.
So why bother to get an education, to develop yourself, if you have no prospect for a rewarding and decent paying job?
These are just a few examples on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs table. I could go on to cover access to healthcare, education, proper housing, etc.... but this would take another two pages.
So what does this do to people? Not having their basic needs met takes away their hope for a better future. It also causes a indifference to life in general, and a lack of motivation to undertake something. Ranked in the 4th level of the table is self-esteem, confidence, achievement and respect to and from others. Sadly, they have a long way to get there.
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