Objects that satisfy needsObjects, Definition, Classification and Examples

Objects that satisfy needsObjects

That satisfy human needs are anything that is used to fulfill various kinds of life needs. In everyday life, humans depend on these objects to support their survival and improve their quality of life. Objects that satisfy needs can be goods or services, which function to fulfill basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, to additional needs that are more of a desire, such as entertainment or luxury goods. Based on their characteristics, objects that satisfy needs can be divided into various categories, both based on their physical form (concrete or abstract), how they are obtained (economic or free), and their use (direct or indirect). By understanding this classification, we can be wiser in fulfilling life needs efficiently and according to priority. This article will discuss the various types of objects that satisfy human needs, provide an overview of their role in everyday life, and explain how these objects contribute to human survival and well-being. 

1. Definition

The general definition of a need-satisfying object is anything that is used by humans to fulfill their life needs, either directly or indirectly. This means that this object functions to provide benefits that support human survival, such as food that is directly consumed to obtain energy or clothing that is used to protect the body.

According to experts

MSB Manulang states that objects that satisfy needs are anything that can be used to fulfill human needs, both material goods and non-material goods such as services.

Kotler and Keller in their book Marketing Management define consumer goods as goods and services purchased by consumers to fulfill their needs and desires.

Paul A. Samuelson and William D. Nordhaus in Economics explain that goods that satisfy needs are all kinds of goods and services used to fulfill human needs, which can be divided into basic needs and additional needs.

Based on the description above, it can be concluded that objects that satisfy needs are all goods or services used to fulfill various human needs. These objects can be material such as food and clothing, or non-material such as education and health services. Based on the opinions of experts, it can be concluded that objects that satisfy needs include all things that help humans to maintain their lives and improve their quality of life, both directly through physical goods and indirectly through services.

2. Classification of Objects that Satisfy Needs

Classification of objects that satisfy human needs is done to understand the various forms and functions of these objects in everyday life. By grouping them based on their form, how to obtain them, the relationship between objects, the production process, and their uses, we can more easily determine the best way to meet needs efficiently and precisely. Each category has unique characteristics that reflect how humans interact with and utilize these objects.

For example, concrete objects such as food and clothing are used directly to meet physical needs, while abstract objects such as educational services meet spiritual needs. On the other hand, vital objects such as clean air are essential for survival, while marginal objects such as decorations are only used when basic needs are met. By understanding this classification, we can make wiser economic decisions in our daily lives.

a. Based on its Appearance

Classification of objects that satisfy needs based on their form is divided into two, namely concrete objects and abstract objects. Concrete objects are objects that can be observed directly with the five senses, such as food, clothing, and vehicles. Because they can be touched and seen, these objects are often used to meet human physical needs directly.

Meanwhile, abstract objects are objects that do not have a physical form, but their benefits can be felt in real terms. Examples are services, education, and insurance. Although they cannot be touched, abstract objects are very important because they help meet psychological, intellectual, and protection needs in everyday life.

 Concrete Objects 

Are objects that have a physical form and can be observed directly with the five senses, such as seeing and touching. Examples of concrete objects include food, clothing, and vehicles. These objects play an important role in meeting human primary needs because they are used directly to support daily life. The presence of concrete objects is very easy to recognize because its benefits can be felt directly and quickly. For example, clothing protects the body from the weather, food provides energy, and vehicles facilitate mobility. Therefore, concrete objects are an important component in fulfilling human physical needs.

Abstract Objects 

Are objects that do not have a physical form and cannot be observed directly by the five senses. Although invisible, the benefits of abstract objects can be felt in real life. Examples of abstract objects are services, education, and insurance. These three examples provide great utility even though they are not physically tangible.

Services such as healthcare and transportation help make daily activities easier and safer. Education provides knowledge and skills that support personal and career development. Meanwhile, insurance provides a sense of security and protection against certain risks. Because of their large role, abstract objects are very important to support human psychological, social, and economic well-being.

b. Based on How to Get It

Economic Goods 

Are objects that have high economic value and are not freely available in nature, so to obtain them requires sacrifice, either in the form of money, energy, or time. Examples of economic goods are cars and laptops. These two objects cannot be obtained for free, but must go through a production process that involves various resources.

The sacrifice in obtaining economic goods shows that these goods are included in the category of rare goods, where demand is higher than availability. Therefore, economic goods are often objects in buying and selling activities and are very important in economics because they reflect the principle of scarcity and choice in meeting human needs.

Free Objects

 Are objects that are abundantly available in nature and can be used without the need for sacrifice, either in the form of money, energy, or time. Examples of free objects are air and sunlight. Because of their very large availability and can be accessed by anyone, these objects have no economic value in normal situations.

However, even though free objects do not require effort to obtain them, their value is still very large for human survival. Air is needed for breathing, and sunlight is needed for the process of photosynthesis and maintaining the temperature of the earth. In certain conditions, such as in places with high pollution or in closed spaces, free objects can turn into economic objects because they require special tools to obtain them.

Ilith Objects 

These are objects that, if used excessively, can have adverse effects on human health and safety. Examples of illiterate objects are alcohol and drugs. These objects may have a specific function within certain limits, such as alcohol used in the medical world or in certain social contexts, but when consumed excessively, can cause physical and mental damage.

Indiscriminate use of drugs can also cause dependency, organ damage, and social and legal disorders. Therefore, illicit objects are often included in the category of objects whose use is strictly regulated by law and community norms. Awareness of the risks of using illicit objects is very important so that humans can maintain the health and safety of themselves and others around them.

c. Based on its relationship with other objects

Classification of need-satisfying objects based on their relationship with other objects includes two main categories: substitute objects and complementary objects. Substitute objects are objects that can replace the function of other objects in meeting needs, such as rice which can be replaced by corn as a source of carbohydrates. Meanwhile, complementary objects are objects that are used together with other objects to complement each other, such as cars that require gasoline to function. Understanding the relationship between these objects helps us in choosing goods that suit existing needs.

Substitute Items 

Can replace other items (for example: rice and corn).Complementary Objects :Complementary objects are objects that are used together with other objects to complement each other's functions. For example, cars and gasoline are a pair of complementary objects because cars need gasoline to run. Likewise, other objects that are often used together, such as pens and ink, or shoes and socks. This relationship shows that the two objects depend on each other to meet a particular need or goal to the maximum.Used together to complement each other (eg: car and petrol).

d. Based on the Production Process

Consumer Goods 

Consumer goods are goods that are ready to be used directly to meet human needs without requiring additional processes. An example of consumer goods is ready-to-eat food that can be consumed directly without having to be cooked first. These goods are very practical because they provide convenience and comfort, especially in situations that require speed or time efficiency.

Ready to use immediately to meet needs (for example: ready-to-eat food).

Production Objects 

Production goods are goods that are used to produce other goods or services, which will eventually be further processed to meet human needs. For example, industrial machines are used to produce other goods, such as clothing or vehicles. Likewise with raw materials, which are raw materials that will be processed into finished products. Production goods are very important in the production chain because they allow the creation of goods or services that are then consumed or used by the community. Used to produce other goods or services (eg: machinery, raw materials).

e. Based on its Usefulness

Direct User Goods are goods that are used directly to meet human needs. These goods provide benefits that are immediately felt without requiring further processing. The most obvious examples are food, which is consumed to meet the body's nutritional needs, or clothing, which is used to protect the body from the weather. In other words, direct user goods are goods that can immediately provide utility value according to their intended use.

Direct User Objects 

Direct User Items are items that are used directly to meet human needs, providing benefits that are immediately felt. Examples include food that is immediately consumed to meet nutritional needs, or clothing that is directly used to protect the body. These items have a direct function and do not require further processing to be able to feel the benefits. Goods that are directly used to meet needs (for example: food, clothing).

Indirect User Objects 

Indirect User Goods are goods that are used to produce other goods, usually through a production or processing process. Examples of indirect user goods include agricultural tools such as tractors used to till the soil, or production machines used in factories to produce finished goods. These goods function as tools that facilitate or speed up the process of making other goods that will ultimately meet human needs.

Goods used to produce other goods (for example: agricultural tools, production machines).

Vital Objects

Vital goods are goods that are very important for the survival of humans and other living things. These goods include elements that are fundamental to life, such as water and clean air. Without adequate access to these vital goods, life will be threatened. For example, water is essential for the biological processes of the human body, while clean air is necessary for breathing. The availability and quality of these vital goods are major factors in maintaining survival and health. Things that are very important for life (eg: water, clean air).

Marginal Objects

Marginal goods are goods that are only used after basic human needs are met. These goods are often considered as complementary goods that are not so important for daily survival, such as home decorations, toys, or other luxury goods. Although marginal goods provide additional value or extra satisfaction, their function is not as crucial as vital goods or consumer goods. Therefore, marginal goods are prioritized after basic or primary needs have been met.

3. Examples of objects that satisfy needs

Primary: Food, clothing, shelter.Primary goods are goods that are very important and basic to fulfill basic human needs. Food is the main need that must be met so that the body gets energy to function, clothing is used to protect the body from the weather, and housing is a basic need to provide shelter. These three objects are irreplaceable elements in everyday life that guarantee human survival.

Secondary: Home furnishings, electronics.

Secondary items are items that provide comfort and improve the quality of life after primary needs are met. Home furnishings such as tables, chairs, and cabinets are used to support activities at home to be more efficient and comfortable. Electronic devices such as televisions, refrigerators, or computers are also secondary items because they help facilitate daily activities, provide entertainment, and support productivity needs at home.

Tertiary

Tertiary goods are goods that are not basic needs and are more directed towards the desire for lifestyle or social status. Luxury goods such as sports cars and expensive watches do not affect daily survival, but provide additional satisfaction, prestige, or extra comfort for their owners. These items are considered more when primary and secondary needs have been met.

Conclusion

Objects that satisfy needs are all goods or services used to fulfill various human needs, which are divided into several categories such as concrete and abstract objects, economic and free objects, and consumer and production objects. These objects can be physical such as food, clothing, and vehicles, or non-physical such as services and education. Based on how they are obtained, objects that satisfy needs can be divided into objects that have high economic value that are difficult to obtain without sacrifice, such as cars and laptops, and objects that are abundantly available in nature, such as air and sunlight. In addition, these objects are also grouped based on their relationship to other objects, such as substitute objects that can replace the function of other objects, or complementary objects that are used together to complement each other, such as cars and gasoline. Based on their use, objects that satisfy needs are divided into objects that are used directly to fulfill human needs, such as food and clothing, and objects that are used to produce other goods or services, such as production machines. All of these categories help humans in fulfilling their life needs, from basic needs to additional desires, which support human survival and well-being.