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Develops a theory of well-being rooted in social action. The dominance of utilitarism & its methodological individualism in thinking of well-being has produced weaknesses: (1) reticence on the autonomy of individual preferences; (2) reticence on the social processes required to make & settle autonomous claims; & (3) equating the maximization of welfare with the summation of individual well-being. A needs-based approach to well-being overcomes these difficulties. Human well-being is circularly linked to social action. Individual well-being produces the social identity of the group, while the quality of social relationships impacts individual well-being. Claimsmaking is a manifestation of needs that disturbs the social order by shifting resources & recognition of a new social identity. In this way, claimsmaking can create change in the structures of society. D. Generoli