Deciphering the Pyramid
So what did all that psychological jargon that spewed out of Maslow's mind really mean? Basically, if you were suddenly unable to breath, you would stop caring about your Esteem Needs or Safety Needs and immediately begin focusing on restoring your Physiological Needs -- unhindered breathing.
The Last Strand of Logic
How does this translate into terrorism? If a person or a large collection of persons cannot obtain the basic layers of the pyramid, they might resort to extreme measures in order to realize those needs.
Though the Hierarchy of Needs is not the perfect model in transforming a law abiding human being into a violent fear-monger, it can certainly nurture the conditions in which terrorism prospers.
There are always exceptional circumstances, but Psychologist Joseph Margolin sums up the basic environmental factors that lead someone to terrorism by stating that, "much terrorist behavior is a response to the frustration of various political, economic, and personal needs or objectives."[1]
Terrorist organizations will often justify their violent methods by painting a picture which shows the organization as a victim which "... has a right to protect itself against its oppressors."[2]
Though the Hierarchy of Needs is not the perfect model in transforming a law abiding human being into a violent fear-monger, it can certainly nurture the conditions in which terrorism prospers.
There are always exceptional circumstances, but Psychologist Joseph Margolin sums up the basic environmental factors that lead someone to terrorism by stating that, "much terrorist behavior is a response to the frustration of various political, economic, and personal needs or objectives."[1]
Terrorist organizations will often justify their violent methods by painting a picture which shows the organization as a victim which "... has a right to protect itself against its oppressors."[2]
References:
[1] "Understanding Who Becomes a Terrorist," Journal of Young Investigators, Accessed 12 Feb 2012, http://www.jyi.org/volumes/volume11/issue3/features/oconnor.html. Paragraph 8
[2] "Understanding Who Becomes a Terrorist," Journal of Young Investigators, Accessed 12 Feb 2012, http://www.jyi.org/volumes/volume11/issue3/features/oconnor.html. Paragraph 9
[2] "Understanding Who Becomes a Terrorist," Journal of Young Investigators, Accessed 12 Feb 2012, http://www.jyi.org/volumes/volume11/issue3/features/oconnor.html. Paragraph 9