Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Theory of Hierarchy of Needs

I've been thinking a lot about hierarchy of needs lately. I gather this is because our American society is in a crisis (for more information see "The Fourth Turning" by Strauss and Howe). This crisis mode we are in began with the 9/11 terrorist attacks and will last for about 21-25 years, according to Strauss and Howe, putting us roughly in the middle of the crisis. I can see these patterns playing out and realized that the "Hierarchy of Needs: A Theory of Human Motivation" developed by Abraham Maslow may be coming forward more now because many of us are feeling the pinch of finding that the basic Physiological needs (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) and Safety are not being met like they were in the past.

In other words, we are not finding ourselves in the higher levels were we reach self-actualization, but rather in the lower levels of basic needs. The economic struggles many are experiencing have lowered their standard of living, making the focus turn to basic needs rather than attaining social and esteem needs, and then eventually, self-actualization, or as I think of it, the Path of Mission.

Self-actualization = Path of Mission

How this Affects Education
In education, we see this as a detriment to the learning environment.

Examples:

• Mom has to do more outside the home to earn money in order to make sure there is shelter, food, and clothing, bringing the focus to the lowest level of need - physiological. 
• Lessons could be canceled due to costs bringing the focus from self-actualization down to social and esteem levels. 
• Children feel worried because dad is looking for a job and they worry about their basic needs being met rather than being free to study uninhibited by these worries. 
• Curriculum purchases became more difficult to manage do to less income. 
• The loss or downsizing of a home brings everyone's focus to the need for shelter.

In the long run, the child and mentoring parent(s) feel the pressure to worry about the lower, basic needs, rather than being able to attain the highest levels of needs necessary for an excellent Leadership Education.

What do we do?
Our family has found our needs attainment to have shifted to the lower levels on many occasions. My husband was laid-off and is still under-employed after 3 years. We had to downsize our home, cut out extras like classes and social events, and become creative with curriculum. I've also had to work part time outside the home. I've definitely seen a shift from focusing on Mission to focusing on Needs.

My concern is how this will effect the outcome of our home education efforts. Will my children receive the education they need if we are distracted by meeting needs? Will I be able to mentor properly while having to help provide for basic needs and a few social needs? Am I doing enough to make sure they are inspired with all that is required of me outside the home?

I've come to be at peace with these nagging questions.

I believe that we are on this earth during this time for a reason.

I believe that the way I feel about giving my children a Leadership Education using the Thomas Jefferson Education (TJED) method was inspirational and that I know it is the right path for our family.

I believe that Heavenly Father will help me provide the environment and the means necessary to provide for our needs as long as I am keeping to our needs and not our wants with focus on "righteous desires".

I believe that in the long run, we will all be better people for the effort given to find and pursue our Mission(s).