Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Ιεράρχηση αναγκών κατά Μάσλοου" in Greek language version.
The Maslow/Blackfoot controversy illustrates the foundational difference between two frameworks that look similar, but in principle are quite different. Some historical researchers, such as Ryan Heavy Head, speculate that Maslow's hierarchy of needs is largely informed by the Blackfoot (Siksika) Nation he visited in 1938
There is even the possibility—put forward by some indigenous academics such as Professor Cindy Blackstock and Leroy Little Bear—that Maslow’s exposure to Blackfoot culture was instrumental in his formation of the "hierarchy of needs" model, which he first presented in 1943.
The claim that Maslow stole the idea for his pyramid from the Blackfoot has gained attention on social media, but if Maslow did not create the pyramid, he could not have taken it from the Blackfoot. There is no doubt that Maslow’s fieldwork with the Blackfoot were insightful for him. He discussed his observations with the Blackfoot briefly in his 1954 book. Maslow’s biographer, Ed Hoffman, devoted an entire chapter to Maslow’s fieldwork. While Maslow learned much about these proud people, there is nothing in these writings to suggest he borrowed or stole ideas for his hierarchy of needs.
There is even the possibility—put forward by some indigenous academics such as Professor Cindy Blackstock and Leroy Little Bear—that Maslow’s exposure to Blackfoot culture was instrumental in his formation of the "hierarchy of needs" model, which he first presented in 1943.
