Human needs theory
Since conflict is about emotions and our inner sense of who we are as a person or a group, many have taken from the field of psychology to help us better understand what happens to us in conflict. Why do we feel what we feel? Why do we act the way we act?​

Many know Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs of physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem and self-actualization. John W. Burton built on these ideas and was the first to develop a theory around human needs and conflict. He argued that human needs reflect “universal motivations” (John W. Burton) and are part of what it is to be human. These needs are related to growth and development. When human identity needs are threatened, people will fight. He and other theorists identified human needs as security, safety, connectedness, belongingness, love, self-identity, self-actualization, response, recognition, stimulation, distributive justice, meaning in life, rationality, control of environment, growth, transcendence, welfare, freedom, respect, autonomy, and participation. (John W. Burton). Vern Redekop grouped these human needs into five categories: meaning, connectedness, security, recognition, and action.

Deep-rooted conflicts are about our identity: beliefs, values, cultures, spirituality, meaning-systems,, relationships, history and our ability to act – as individuals and as groups (Redekop).  When our needs are frustrated in some way, violence can occur. “Deep-rooted conflict occurs when values linked to the specific identity needs are violated” (John W. Burton).

Vern Redekop developed the following graphic to help us understand how the five categories of human needs relate to conflict. On the following pages through the link below, I will explain each identity need and give examples using the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.