Social Inequality: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

In this post, I will further discuss about social inequality in Nepal with reference to my last post, "Social Inequality in Nepal: Kanxi". This is my view irrespective of what is mentioned in the books.

Social inequality, the literal meaning of this word as perceived by many is "lack of equal opportunity to all" which is undeniable. However, in addition to lack of opportunity, there are many dimensions to defining this term. "Kanxi" was just a meager demonstration of this term. 

Let's discuss the answer to the first question: In your view, why did Kanxi elope??

The lack of education, improper upbringing, inadequate parenting and lack of emotional support system could be some of the reasons. Let's remember the Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and plug in  Kanxi's action in the hierarchy which apparently fits in the third step in the hierarchy that suggests "Love and belonging needs". However, Maslow states that the first two needs (Physoloical need and safety. security need) should be fulfilled before the third can be demanded for. The story reveals that Kanxi had no proper food to eat, she was compelled to sleep outside the safety of her home which definitely breaches some portions of the first two needs. Still, Kanxi asks for the third need to be fulfilled. Why?? Apparently, the first two needs did not seem to be fulfilled but if we analyze thoroughly, she had all the components of the physiological needs and safety/security as well. So, the main issue here is she was not allowed to access the facilities provided to her by her stepmother which means that she was short of love and belonging. Thus, when she met a young man willing to give up everything for her (we know the talks of teenagers in love), she surrendered herself to the basic need of human being, love. 

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Now, the question arises if Maslow hierarchy is related to social inequality? My view is, "Yes". Since, social inequality means that all the people in the society do not have equal access to the resources whether be it related to health, education, employment, household, living environment or quality of life, it relates to the hierarchy which also corresponds to these domains of the society. For some of you who think, "NO, it's not related", that can be true too. I have used Maslow hierarchy just to simplify the understanding of social inequality while this does not represent it's broad dimensions. 

So, the problem identified here is the lack of intimacy, friendship and care. Can this contribute to social inequality?? It may not borne the inequality directly, it surely predisposes a person to the state of inequality. Kanxi married an immature that led to all the other consecutive problems in her life. She ran away because her family was not able to provide the love she wanted.