Abstract:

In this study, it is aimed to present a useful theoretical framework for the concept of human needs which is mostly used as a complicated concept for social work. In line with this purpose,discussions on human needs in the literature of social sciences and social work has been evaluated within social work values and the feminist perspective. Among all theoretical explanations on human needs, initially, psychological model of Maslow and the model developed on social justice and human rights by Max Neff and Peet & Bossel have been assessed. Afterwards, feminist contributions on satisfying human needs in social work has been discussed within “capabilities” and “substantive freedoms “which are conceptualized by Sen and Nussbaum and within United Nations’ concepts of practical and strategic gender needs. So that, basic theoretical discussions about identifying, satisfying and evaluating of human needs which are important for realizing social justice and human rights as basic purpose of social work has comprehensively been analyzed. Additionally, it is argued that looking from the feminist perspective on this theoretical framework has made feminist, anti-oppressive and emancipatory nature of social work more visible.  

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