Beyond the Pyramid: A Contextual Circular Model of Human Needs

This paper proposes the Contextual Circular Need Model (CCNM), a novel theoretical framework that moves beyond Maslow's hierarchical pyramid (1943) toward a dynamic model of overlapping, context-sensitive need-circles. The central proposition is that the size and relative salience of each need-circle are structurally determined by the individual's geographical, cultural, and intellectual environment — positioning environment not as a moderating variable, but as the primary architect of need configuration. The model further proposes that zones of overlap between circles generate emergent human phenomena (courage, sacrifice, creative solidarity) that no hierarchical model can account for. This preprint is submitted to establish priority of the theoretical framework. A full research article is in preparation.