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Needs and Assessment

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Need is an important concept in social work and it is sometimes difficult to define. According to the Oxford dictionary, ‘need is defined as requiring something because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.’ Doyal and Gough (1991), define need in terms of physical survival and personal autonomy. However, some would argue that there are basic needs for economic and physical security, accommodation, food, clothing and social relationships that must be met in a civilised society but there is a relative dimension to need also. Therefore, what is seen as adequate in terms of meeting basic needs and the means through which they can be met, will vary over time, both historically and over the life course, as well as across different cultures. These definitions has led to focusing on two different approaches to understanding the concept of need.
The first is Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (1943). Maslow’s hierarchy is commonly displayed in a pyramid fashion, with the basic needs at the bottom and the higher needs at the top. The needs were depicted in this way to show the significance of each need on the others, with the most significant and broadest category being the physiological needs at the base (Redmond, 2010).
Maslow’s Basic-Order Needs:
Physiological needs are basic needs that are necessary for one’s survival, such as food, oxygen, shelter and sleep. These needs must be met before moving to satisfy needs higher in order.
Safety needs includes the desire to feel safe and secure and to ensure that basic physiological needs will remain met. Examples are shelter or housing, physical ability to defend one’s self, the need to have limits (conscience), and a regular routine that an individual is comfortable with.
Social needs (also love and belongingness) includes friendship and companionship. One must know that they are not alone in the

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