The investigation of the concept of need in economic theory

This study examines the place and evolution of the concept of needs in economic theory. Needs are fundamental elements of economic thought and play a central role in shaping the economic behaviors of individuals and societies. The study analyzes how the concept of needs is addressed in different economic theories and the impact of these theories on social and economic structures. The theoretical framework includes classical economics, neo-classical economics, behavioral economics, and heterodox economic approaches. Additionally, needs hierarchy models such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Alderfer's ERG Theory are examined. The distinction between needs and wants, as well as the social and cultural dimensions of needs, are also detailed. The research is conducted using the literature review method, utilizing a wide range of foreign and Turkish sources. Literature studies provide a crucial foundation for understanding how economic theories address the concept of needs and how these theories are applied in practice. As a result, a comprehensive analysis of the place and importance of the concept of needs in economic theory is carried out, examining how needs are addressed within different theoretical approaches and the impact of these approaches on social and economic structures. This study aims to provide a solid foundation for future research by revealing the historical development of the concept of needs and how different theoretical perspectives have contributed to this concept.