Unequal Starting Points of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

 

While studying for my Project Management final exam, I came across Maslow’s pyramid of human needs, which I first learned about in my psychology class back in freshman year. But this time, something stuck in my head and inspired me to write this blog: the unequal starting points of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow’s pyramid explains the five levels of human needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. According to the theory, people must satisfy their basic needs at the lower levels before they can focus on higher goals like personal growth and creativity.

 Figure 1. Source: https://www.simplypsychology.org/wp-content/uploads/maslow-hierachy-of-needs-min.jpg

 

The Pyramid’s Unequal Starting Points

Imagine a child born in rural Ethiopia, where getting clean water, enough food, and healthcare is a daily struggle. This child’s main focus is staying alive. They spend their time trying to meet basic needs like eating and finding safety. Dreams of education or creating something new feel far away when survival is the top priority.

Now think of a child born into a wealthy American family. Their basic needs are met from the start: they have enough food, a safe home, and access to doctors. Because they don’t have to worry about these things, they can focus on school, hobbies, and exploring their talents. For this child, reaching the top of the pyramid is much easier.

 

                  Figure 2. Source: AI generated

 

How Poverty Limits Creativity

Maslow’s theory says people can’t focus on big goals like creativity if their basic needs aren’t met. In Ethiopia, poverty affects millions of people. Many children can’t go to good schools or access technology. If they’re hungry or unsafe, it’s hard to think about inventing something new or solving big problems.

This doesn’t mean they lack talent. The difference is opportunity. The world’s greatest minds have often been those with the chance to focus on their dreams because their basic needs were already covered.

The difference between the child in rural Ethiopia and the child in America is not about talent. It’s about opportunity. When children have access to food, clean water, education, and safety, they can focus on reaching their potential. Helping meet these basic needs around the world is not just the right thing to do — it’s how we unlock amazing potential.

Final Thoughts

Maslow’s pyramid shows that creativity and innovation grow when basic needs are met. As someone navigating my own journey through this framework, I see the incredible potential in Ethiopia and across Africa. The question isn’t whether children in tough situations can create amazing things. The question is whether we will give them the tools they need to climb the pyramid.