Theory of Manfred Max-Neef.

All equally important once subsistence met.

Same for all cultures.

Same throughout history.

Not all will necessarily be met all the time, there may be trade offs.

Taken from The Natural Step Sustainability Primer

Need 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

affectionrespect, sense of humour, generosity, sensuality

friendships, family, relationships with nature

share, take care of, make love, express emotions

privacy, intimate spaces of togetherness

understanding critical capacity, curiosity, intuition

literature, teachers, policies, educational

analyse, study, meditate, investigate,

schools, families, universities, communities,

Participationreceptiveness, dedication, sense of humour

responsibilities, duties, work, rights

cooperate, dissent, express opinions

associations, parties, churches, neighbourhoods

leisureimagination, tranquillity, 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 for expression, workshops, audiences

identitysense of belonging, self-esteem, consistency

language, religions, work, customs, values, norms

get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself

places one belongs to, everyday settings

freedomautonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness

equal rightsdissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness

anywhere

Write the 9 human needs in a Diamond 9

Best met

LEAST met

At the top the need which is best met in your life.

At the bottom the need which is least well met in your life.

•Subsistence

•Protection

•Affection

•Understanding

•Participation

•Leisure

•Creation

•Identity

•Freedom

Task• In pairs

– Fold your sheet of A3 in half and open.

– Choose one of your consumption choices that met a ‘want’.

– Draw or write it at the top of the left hand side.

– Brainstorm and draw a mindmap of the effects/consequences of this choice.

– It might help to think to think about social, economic and environmental effects.

• Next– Think what you could have

chosen here instead.– Could you satisfy a need

rather than a want?– Write or draw this choice at

the top of the other side of the sheet.

– Do the same, brainstorming the effects of this choice.

• Which would you choose to do now?