Need: Something which we cannot live without. It is necessary to our lives. It’s an essential item. Example: food.
We need food.
Want: Something which we can live without but would like to have. It is not necessary for survival. It’s a luxury non-essential item. Example: a holiday.
We want a holiday.
• Needs • Wants Know It!
The factors which influence you to need or want something might be different from what influences your teacher or your grandparents.
Factors Influencing Needs and Wants The following factors help us realise our needs and wants:
Personal influences:
Factors such as culture, age, gender, hobbies and attitudes.
Example: If you participate in surfing you will require a board and a wetsuit. You will need to buy the equipment but if you cannot afford it you will rent it. You may also want the latest equipment, which may not be necessary.
Economic influences:
The state of the economy (Strand 3) affects people’s needs and wants. If the economy is growing, people will have more money to spend on goods and services.
Example: When Ireland entered into a period of economic decline, car sales dropped significantly as people realised they could not afford new cars.
Emotional influences:
Emotional factors can affect needs and wants. We buy goods and services in the hope they will make us feel better.
Example: During the Covid-19 pandemic, people started buying more products online, leading to the phrase ‘a package a day keeps the sadness away’ trending on social media.
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Social influences: Family, friends and social media.
We are influenced by celebrity or fashion trends. This will influence our needs and wants in terms of clothes and hairstyles.
Example: Niall Horan’s blond quiff became a hairstyle trend among teenage boys.
Environmental influences:
Looking after the planet so future generations can enjoy it.
Example: There has been an increase in demand for hybrid or electric cars in an effort to reduce CO2
emissions and protect the environment. Government influences:
Government policy also affects our decisions to buy goods and services.
Example: A government’s decision to increase VAT on goods and services will make prices increase. Individuals may be less likely to buy the product/service if it is more expensive.