1.
+ + + +
This is the area where all definitions overlap, or (using an analogy
from studies of intelligence tests) the ‘g’ factor of need. An individual
is in need by all definitions and so this is the least controversial part
of need.
2.
+ + – +
Demand is limited by difficulties of access to a service. Although the
individual is in need by all other definitions he has not wanted to, or
been able to, express his need. Difficulties of access may be due to
a stigma attached to the receipt of a service, geographical distances
that make it difficult to claim, charges which are a disincentive to
take up, administrative procedures that deter claimants or merely
ignorance about the availability of the service. Demand must also
vary according to how intense is the felt need. Two examples of
need of this type are the non-take-up of means-tested benefits,
and the under-utilization of fair rent machinery.
3.
+ + – –
Here need is accepted as such by the expert and is felt by the
individual but there is no demand as well as, and possibly because
of, the absence of supply. Examples may be need for family
planning facilities for unmarried girls, free nursery education, and
need for chiropody services for the elderly.
4.
– + + +
Here the need is not postulated by the pundits, but is felt, demanded,
and supplied. The less-essential types of cosmetic surgery are
examples. Also some of the work of the GP, it is often thought
could come into this category, i.e. the prescribing of ‘clinically
unnecessary’ drugs. The pundits may suggest that a compassionate
label for this category could be ‘inappropriate need’. On the
other hand, the pundits may be exercising inappropriate value-
judgements.
5.
+ + + –
A need that is postulated, felt, and demanded but not supplied.
These needs represent likely growth areas in the social services.
An example would be the need for an allowance for fatherless
families or adequate wage-related pensions. Resources are usually
the limiting factor in this category.
6.
+ – – +
Here the need is postulated by the experts and similar
persons are being supplied with the service, but the need is
neither felt nor demanded by the individual. Some of the work of
the probation officer, or the health visitors’ post-natal visits
(when they are not wanted) are examples of meeting this kind
of need. Another example is the unwanted supply of expensive
central-heating plant in public sector housing.