‘Belonging’ in Maslow’s Hierarchy

“When we feel safe and secure in our world then we begin to seek out friendships in order to feel a sense of belonging.  Maslow’s third level, the need for belonging and love, focuses on our desire to be accepted, to fit in, and to feel like we have a place in the world.  Getting these needs met propels us closer to the top of this pyramid and into the fourth level, called esteem needs.  At this level we focus our energy on self-respect, respect from others, and feeling that we have made accomplishments on our life.  We strive to move upward in careers, to gain knowledge about the world, and to work toward a sense of high self-worth.”

http://allpsych.com/personalitysynopsis/maslow.html