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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryStrategy & FrameworksMaslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Strategy & Frameworks

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow's 1943 theory ranking human needs from physiological and safety through belonging and esteem to self-actualization, widely used in messaging.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is Abraham Maslow's 1943 theory ranking human needs from physiological and safety needs through belonging and esteem to self-actualization. Marketers use it to connect products and messages to the underlying motivation they address, from basic security to status and personal growth, though modern psychology questions its strict ordering.