A Quality‐of‐Life Theory Derived from Maslow's Developmental Perspective

Abstract

A bstract . A quality‐of‐life (QOL) theory developed from Abraham Maslow's human developmental perspective is presented. Developed societies involve members who are mostly preoccupied in satisfying higher‐order needs (social, esteem, and self actualization needs), it is argued, whereas less‐developed societies involve members who are mostly preoccupied in satisfying lower‐order needs (biological and safety related needs). QOL is defined in terms of the hierarchical need satisfaction level of most of the members of a given society. The higher the need satisfaction of the majority in a given society the greater the QOL of that society. Institutions are designed to serve human needs in a society, and therefore a society's QOL. Societal institutions that serve human needs include productive, maintenance, managerial/political , and adaptive institutions. Each of these types of societal institutions involve a hierarchical dimension. It is argued that progressive increases in QOL are accompanied with hierarchical changes of these societal institutions.