In Maslow's Hierarchy, which need describes the necessity to belong to society?

The necessity to belong to society is best described by the concept of affiliation. In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, affiliation refers to the human desire to form social connections and feel a sense of belonging with groups, whether that is through family, friendships, community, or other social structures. This need comes after the basic physiological and safety needs, indicating that once those foundational requirements are met, individuals seek relationships and a support network, which is critical for emotional well-being.

Self-esteem, while important, refers to one’s personal sense of worth and accomplishment, and security pertains to safety and stability in one’s environment. Self-acceptance deals with an individual's acceptance of themselves, which, while relevant, does not specifically address the social aspect of belonging to a community or society. Therefore, affiliation is the most accurate choice regarding one's need to connect with others.