Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological (food and clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization.

Needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to needs higher up.

Maslow, (born April 1, 1908, New York, New York, U.S.—died June 8, 1970, Menlo Park, California), American psychologist and philosopher best known for his self-actualization theory of psychology, which argued that the primary goal of psychotherapy should be the integration of the self.

Most Americans...  that is to say, citizens of the United States of America (as opposed to Americans from Central America and South America), spend their ENTIRE LIVES trying to make sure that their BASIC and PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS are met.  And, even if our Federal Government raises the minimum wage, it will not make that much difference to MOST AMERICANS because all costs around the minimum wage will also increase as well, leaving them in the same basic situation as they were before.

WEALTH and GREED are responsible for this...

AND, it is highly unlikely that the WEALTH will change in America any time soon.  As prices increase, so too does the cost of living increase to compensate for the price increases.  When this happens, the wealthy get wealthier and the poor remain the same or worsen.

Consequently, Maslow's Hierarchy of needs is very seldom reached by the average American no matter how hard they try or no matter how many jobs they have.  Only the financially well off and the wealthy have time to develop their SELF ESTEEM and SELF ACTUALIZATION NEEDS...

Of course, most Americans...  believe it or not...  do not realize what they are missing.