A human need is a state of felt deprivation of some basic satisfaction. These needs exist in the very texture of human biology and are part and parcel of the human condition. It is simply what we feel when something is lacking, say food, shelter, security etc. Wants are desires for specific satisfaction of deeper needs. It is simply the desire for a specific product or a service which can satisfy a particular need. Say, a piece of bread to satisfy the hunger need. Although people’ needs are few, their wants are many. Generally, needs are common to all, but wants are different from a person to person. Let’s take an example for further clarification of human needs and wants. ‘You may get hungry’. ‘An infant also may feel hungry’. You may ask for ‘a piece of bread’ or ‘a plate of rice’. But the infant may search for a ‘glass of milk’ or a few biscuits’. Now you may see that the need is common to both. But your want is bread or rice and the infant’s want is milk or biscuits. Likewise wants are different according to age, sex, race etc. of persons. The figure 1 below illustrates few needs and wants of the people.
Accordingly, a need is something that must be met in order to live. Wants are the various forms of fulfilling needs.
 |
Different Types of Needs and Wants |
 |
| Needs and wants examples |
.png)
