Independent Reading Quarter Final Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is shaped like a pyramid. The first level or “base” of the pyramid consists of Physiological needs, such as: breathing, food, water, and sleep. The second level is labeled as Safety, involving security of body, resources, morality, family, and property. The third level includes Love for self, friends, and family, and the fourth level is titled Esteem such as: self-esteem, confidence, achievement, and respect of and by others. The fifth and final level is called Self-Actualization, and consists of creativity, morality, lack of prejudice and spontaneity. Maslow states that to fulfill these needs, you must start from the very bottom and work your way up, and that if your most basic …show more content…
If we are to understand what the book is asking us, we must look at how The Handmaid’s Tale answer the question. There were many rules that were placed upon the handmaids. They were not allowed to show their hair, but they were also not allowed to cut it. Instead they wore white wings, “to keep us from seeing, but also from being seen,” (Atwood 8). They all wore red, ankle-length skirts that had flat yokes with full sleeves, so they were completely covered. The fact that all handmaids were required to wear red dresses and white wings that covered their face, aided in taking away a means for them to express their uniqueness, as well as revoking the freedom they had to dress the way they chose. Handmaids were required to walk in twos when they went outside, “for our protection… the truth is that she is my spy, as I am hers. If either of us slips through the net… the other will be accountable.” (Atwood 19). What Offred meant by that is that they had to make sure that their partner only did what they were supposed to do, otherwise they would end up in trouble if their partner didn’t. This kept the handmaids from rebelling against the
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory that includes a five level pyramid of basic human
Cora’s unpleasant reaction towards Offred, when she arrives at their home, represents how other classes automatically feel superior over Handmaids. When Offred walks in, she instantly is judged after she sees Cora “frowning...[Cora] tears out three tokens and hands them to [Offred]. [Cora’s] face might be kindly if she would smile. But, the frown isn’t personal: it’s the red dress she disapproves of, and what it stands for” (Atwood, 10). The tokens given to Offred symbolize the oppression of Handmaids throughout Gilead, since these women are handed money with no value. Granted, that the tokens have no worth outside of the imperialized area, this shows how women like Offred are looked at worthlessly. Handing out tokens instead of real money demonstrates how the government does not trust Handmaids; they believe these women will use legitimate money to escape Gilead, or rebel by accessing black market goods. With Handmaids associated with reproductive organs, and thought of as vessels for this process, the women wear red to exploit their societal intentions. Being that the color red symbolizes impregnation, it displays the advantage Handmaid’s attain over resentful women in society; this advantage is ironic due to the fact that higher classes in Gilead look down on Handmaids even though...
Therefore, Atwood skillfully uses symbolism to explore the concept of communism and dehumanization. The red worn by Handmaids represents the communistic society of Gilead as individuality no longer exists and people are merely used for their abilities. Additionally, Atwood uses the white wings as a mechanism that makes it more difficult for Offred to realize her true identity. Once again, the issue of dehumanization is portrayed by the white wings as they cover the Handmaid’s individual features, displaying the communist attributes of Gilead society.
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), depression occurs in over 26% of adolescents and can lead to morbidity, mortality, and social problems that can last into adulthood (SCREENING FOR DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS -- RISKS AND BENEFITS, 2015). Signs of adolescent depression can sometimes be different than adults, and possibly harder to identify. It is most often identified as an increase in negative behaviors or somatic complaints such as an upset stomach (SCREENING FOR DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS -- RISKS AND BENEFITS, 2015). Behavioral changes that are associated with adolescent depression include an increase in irritability, tantrums, anger outbursts, decrease in school performance, and social isolation (SCREENING
In the novel The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood the themes of Religion and inter-human relationships are the themes that are most evident in the text. This novel shows the possibility of the existence of an all-powerful governing system. This is portrayed through the lack of freedom for women in society, from being revoked of their right to own any money or property, to being stripped of their given names and acquiring names such as Offred and Ofglen, symbolizing women’s dependant existence, only being defined by the men which they belong to. This portrayal of women demonstrates the idea that individuals are unimportant, that the goals of the society as a whole are more pertinent. “For our purposes, your feet and your hands are not essential” (chapter 15) is a quote revealing that Gilead denies rights to individuals and to humankind. In The Handmaids Tale, handmaids are only considered of value for their ability to reproduce, otherwise they are disposable. Religion is an aspect very prominent in the society of Gilead. We see this in chapter 4, where Ofglen and Offred meet and th...
Maslow believed that there was a hierarchy of five innate needs that influence people’s behaviors (Schultz & Schultz, 2013, p.246-247). In a pyramid fashion, at the base are physiological needs, followed by safety needs, then belonginess and love needs, succeeded by esteem needs, and finally the need for self-actualization. Maslow claimed that lower order needs must be at least partially satisfied before higher level needs are addressed. Furthermore, behavior is dominated by solely one need
“We learned to whisper almost without sound. In the semidarkness we would stretch out our arms, when the Aunts weren’t looking, and touch each other’s hands across space. We learned to lip-read, our heads flat on the beds, turned sideways, watching each other’s mouths.” (Atwood, p4) The handmaids whisper to each other to exchange information. They engage in this conversation to keep alive the nature of relationships between people. It is very lonely for these women, for they cannot say what is on their mind, they are only allowed pre-approved phrases from Gilead’s authorities Without this contact it would be impossible for the women to reminisce and be comforted. Another way of keeping the past real to Offred is to remember old stories from before the revolution. She spends a lot of her time thinking about her husband Luke and how the city used to look before, “Lilies used to be a movie theater here, before. Students went there a lot; every spring they had a Humphrey Bogart festival with Lauren Bacall or Katherine Hepburn, women on their own, making up their own minds” (Atwood, 25). These small rebellions that Offred and other handmaids participate in are very significant. The simple fact that they choose to engage in these insurgences shows that they still cling on to their more just and free past. They still have a notion of truth and are keeping it alive. Having these passions and feelings causes the structure of Gilead to truly not work, and will probably (The Handmaid’s Tale was left open ended) lead to its demise.
Another way the women in The Handmaid’s Tale are unequal to men is in dress. In modern society it is normal to think of clothing as a way to express our personality and individuality. What you wear helps others know who you are. In the novel, the main character Offred grew up in a westernized world –freedoms like self expression and speech- but it was taken away from her when she became a handmaid.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow created the hierarchy of needs, outlining and suggesting what a person need to reach self-actualization and reveal the true potential of themselves. In the model, Maslow propose that a person has to meet basic needs in order to reach the true potential of themselves. Biological/physiological needs, safety needs, love/belonging need, esteem needs according to Maslow is the fundamental frame for reaching the peak of self. The last need to be met on the scale
Unlike many of his colleagues at the time who were focusing on psychopathology, or what is wrong with individuals, he focused on how individuals are motivated to fulfill their potential and what needs govern their respective behaviors (McLeod)). Maslow developed the hierarchy over time, adjusting from a rigid structure where needs must be met before being able to achieve a higher level, to where the individuals can experience and behave in ways across the hierarchy multiple times daily depending on their needs. The hierarchy is comprised of 5 levels; Physiological, Safety and Security, Love and Belonging, Esteem, and Self-Actualization. The bottom two levels are considered basic needs, or deficiency needs because once the needs are met they cease to be a driving factor, unlike psychological needs. Loving and Belonging and Esteem needs are considered psychological needs, and are different from basic needs because they don’t stem from a lack of something, but rather the desire to grow. Maslow theorizes that individual’s decisions and behavior are determined based on their current level of needs, and the ideal level to achieve full potential culminates in self-actualization; however, operating on this level cannot be achieved until the preceding levels of needs have been
When Offred and Ofglen take their first walk they come upon the Wall. Hung up there are two men labeled “gender traitors”. These men were most likely gay or bisexual, and were having relations with each other. This act is unacceptable to this society; having gay sex feminizes the men performing the act, and a feminine man is worthless in this society. So worthless that the law breakers are put to death instead of separated, berated, or gently punished. The crime of not expressing one hundred percent masculinity at all times is punished by death. The same is true for women. Handmaids are expected to be silent and speak only when spoken to. They are not supposed to converse amongst themselves. Even the wives, women at the top of the hierarchy, are only allowed specific activities. Activities, interactions, and responsibilities are assigned to classes, such as Wife, Handmaid, Martha, or Angel, and there is little to no overlap between the classes. Gender roles are much less specific in today’s society, but gender roles do exist. West and Zimmerman’s “Doing Gender” explains what some of these gender roles are. People assume facts about people to be true based on the gender that they are; a man is automatically assumed to be a good leader while a woman is usually considered bossy when they work together. A baby dressed in pink is always a girl and is a “sweet princess” but a baby is blue is obviously a boy and is told that he is “strong” and “a fighter”. These gender roles follow people through their entire lives, and affect every aspect of life. Some of the same gender roles that are shown in The Handmaid’s Tale are true in today’s society as well. Women are expected to want to become mothers in both worlds. Becoming a mother is the high point in a woman’s life for both cultures, and a woman who doesn’t want to become a
Similarly, Maslow's theory also reflects that humans have an internal force to reach their highest potential (Maslow, 1968). Maslow examined the hierarchy of basic human needs and developed a pyramid of requirements which motivates human beings and shapes their personality. At the bottom of his pyramid are found the basic physiological motivations which are necessary for survival such as food and shelter. The next level incorporates the need for safety, both physical and psychological. This is followed by love and belongingness which relate to receiving and giving affection. Presuming the love need is met, the next level up is the need for esteem which includes the feeling of self-esteem and self-respect. At the top of the pyramid stands the complex need for self-actualization which is a meta-need as per Maslow (1964) and we can reach it through peak experiences. It is the highest level of growth when someone reached her or his capacity to the fullest. Maslow estimated that only 1 percent of people ever really fulfil this need (Maslow,
Abraham Maslow did studies of the basic needs of human beings. He put these needs into a hierarchical order. This means that until the need before it has been satisfied, the following need can not be met (Encyclopedia, 2000). For example, if someone is hungry they are not thinking too much about socializing. In the order from lowest to highest the needs are psychological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. The first three are classified as lower order needs and the last two are higher order (Hierarchy, 2000). Without meeting these needs workers are not going to be as productive as they could otherwise. The first three are considered to be essential to all humans at all times. The last two have been argued but are mostly considered to be very important as well.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory can explain the manager’s actions. Specifically, the lower-order need Safety. The manager acted out in order to protect the stability of the company and prevent employees from eating food for free. Under Alderfer’s ERG Theory the manager was acting out of protecting his growth needs. As he was attempting to stop a behavior that tarnishes his work record and prevents him from receiving a bonus. Subject to McClelland’s Acquired Needs Theory the manager catered to the Need for Achievement. The manager was attempting to solve a problem with his workers by enacting a new rule. Motivator Factors under Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory explains the manager’s decision as well. He took action in order to receive recognition
Abraham Maslow wrote the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. This theory was based on fulfilling five basic needs: physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualization. Maslow believed that these needs could create internal pressures that could influence the behavior of a person. (Robbins, p.204)