Human needs

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	Human needs are things that all humans need for normal growth and development. First identified by psychologist Abraham Maslow, human needs go beyond the obvious physical needs of food and shelter to include psychological needs such as security, love, a sense of identity, self-esteem, and the ability to achieve ones goals. Some conflict theorists – referred to as “human needs theorists” argue that the most difficult and intense conflicts, such as racial and ethnic conflicts, are caused by the denial of one or both groups’ fundamental human needs: the need for identity, security, and/or recognition. In order to resolve such conflicts, ways must be found to provide these needs for all individuals and groups without compromise – as human needs “are not for trading.”