Basic Human Need: A Framework for dialogue on Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing

Abstract

This paper explores cross-cultural intervention based on empowerment and participation through dialogue. Dialogue is a process of joint reflection about the forces conditioning one’s situation that supports mobilisation for collective action. Sometimes considered to have been superceded by Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach, this paper argues that the concept of basic human need still has vigour as a framework for dialogue. To invigorate dialogue about basic human need, this paper surveys major works by authors from a range of disciplines, all of whom take a universalist rather than pluralist view of what it means to be fully human and have a good life. This background is used to arrive at a new synthesis of basic human need. This synthesis highlights the critical importance of control and local organisation for the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.