Fundamental Human Needs - Types of Satisfiers

Types of Satisfiers

Max-Neef further classifies Satisfiers (ways of meeting needs) as follows.

1. Violators: claim to be satisfying needs, yet in fact make it more difficult to satisfy a need. E.g. one could buy a gun for protection, yet if everyone bought a gun, your need for protection would be more difficult to meet.
2. Pseudo Satisfiers: claim to be satisfying a need, yet in fact have little to no effect on really meeting such a need. E.g. most addictive behaviours are pseudo-satisfiers.
3. Single Satisfiers: meet one need with one new behaviour. E.g. Bottlefeeding meets the need for sustenance.
4. Synergistic Satisfiers: are a case where one behaviour meets multiple needs simultaneously. E.g. Breast feeding meets needs of sustenance, protection, affection, identity etc.