Amongst social theories of motivational behaviour Abraham Maslow’s ‘hierarchy of need’ stands out. Essentially he classified the ‘needs’ of individuals e.g. Physiological to ego to goals.

In the same way we believe there is a hierarchy of societal needs that the average human being ‘signs’ up to. In simple terms these are the Individual – Family – Community – Nation/Country.

Some are introverted some extroverted. Some are social some prefer their own company. All however like some level of ‘independence’ and the freedom to choose their own opinions, likes and dislikes.

Straight or Gay, most are part of a living family and value their relations both present and those that will live beyond them.

These include friends and acquaintances and beyond. It might be religious or political but is most usually locational i.e. a district or council area, where most people interact, shop, work and play.

All, enthusiastically or otherwise, belong to that widest of communities sharing a common history and culture. People make sacrifices to a nation (and to family and community) that they wouldn’t beyond it e.g. pay taxes, give to charity and some even serve in various national forces.

These are the basic building blocks of society. Like Maslow there is a ‘pyramidal’ structure but inverted i.e. the level of significance seen through the prism of human beings. We must cherish and protect these needs for generations to come.