People often say that if you grasp human nature, you can grasp wealth.
Only by understanding the needs of others can you create opportunities for yourself.
So what are the needs of people in different classes?
One of the essential theories to understand human needs: Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
See which class you belong to in human society.
1. What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivation theory proposed by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943, aimed at explaining the driving factors of human behavior. The theory posits that human needs are arranged in a hierarchical structure, from the most basic physiological needs to the highest level of self-actualization needs, forming a pyramid shape. Only when lower-level needs are satisfied will individuals pursue higher-level needs.
2. The five levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
1. Poverty class - Physiological needs.
Primary need: Physiological needs and safety needs.
This is the most basic need, including conditions necessary for survival, such as food, water, air, shelter, and sleep.
Characteristics: Income is just enough or insufficient to maintain basic living, lacking savings, often facing survival pressure.
This group often obtains funds through microloans or government subsidies to purchase food, pay rent, or buy basic necessities. For example, many people use microloans to buy production tools (like farming tools or sewing machines) to increase their income sources.
2. Lower middle class - Safety needs.
Primary needs: Safety needs and social needs.
When physiological needs are met, individuals begin to pursue safety and stability, including personal safety, financial security, health protection, and a stable living environment.
Characteristics: Stable but lower income, able to meet basic living needs, limited savings, focusing on financial stability.
This group usually saves part of their income in fixed deposits or purchases low-premium accident insurance and health insurance to protect their families from sudden economic risks.
3. Middle class - Social needs.
Primary need: Social needs and respect needs.
Involves emotional relationships, such as friendships, intimate relationships, family belonging, and social connections.
Characteristics: Stable and moderate income, relatively comfortable living, beginning to pursue quality of life and social recognition.
This group often purchases family cars or renovates homes through loans for family activities and social gatherings; they may also participate in community crowdfunding or provide small economic support to friends and relatives to enhance their sense of belonging.
4. Upper middle class - Respect needs.
Primary need: Respect needs and self-actualization needs.
Includes self-respect and respect from others, such as sense of achievement, recognition, status, and confidence.
Characteristics: Higher income, comfortable living, owning more assets, focusing on wealth growth and personal achievements.
This group invests in private equity, real estate, or overseas assets through high-end wealth management services to achieve high returns and gain respect in professional or social circles due to financial achievements.
5. High net worth class - Self-actualization needs.
Primary need: Self-actualization needs (the need for respect has been basically met).
This is the highest level of needs, referring to realizing personal potential, pursuing personal growth, creativity, and life goals.
Characteristics: Holding significant wealth, living worry-free, pursuing social influence and the ultimate realization of personal value.
This group solidifies its social status by holding rare assets (like artworks, luxury homes) or sponsoring high-end events (like charity dinners) to gain widespread recognition.
3. How to leverage different class needs?
By precisely matching Maslow's needs with class characteristics, companies can design products and services across fields to meet customer needs while achieving diversified profits.
Poverty class: Achieving thin profits through scaled, low-cost operations (such as group buying, free training) and government/public welfare cooperation.
Lower middle class: Providing affordable, practical products (such as home appliances, insurance), increasing income through installment payments and subscription models.
Middle class: Focusing on lifestyle upgrades (such as cars, travel), profiting through loans, membership fees, and brand premiums.
Upper middle class: Provides high-end customized services (such as wealth management, study tours), profiting through high profit margins and management fees.
High net worth class: Focus on scarcity and influence (such as artworks, foundations), achieving ultra-high returns through high pricing and exclusive services.
The significance of Maslow's hierarchy of needs lies in that it not only explains the motivations behind human behavior but also provides practical guidance for personal growth, organizational management, education, marketing, and social policy. By understanding and applying this theory, individuals and organizations can more effectively meet needs, promote comprehensive development, and well-being.