Behovshavende

Behovshavende is a term used in Danish and Norwegian welfare discourse to describe a person who has needs that may require assistance or support. The word is a compound of behov (need) and havende (holding/possessing), literally meaning “one who has needs.” It is not a formal legal status but a descriptive label used in policy, research, and administrative guidance to identify individuals whose life circumstances create obligations or opportunities for support.

In practice, behovshavende encompasses a broad range of needs, including financial security, housing, health care, education, accessibility, and social participation. The concept is often employed in needs assessments and service allocation within welfare systems, with the aim of tailoring interventions to the individual’s situation and promoting autonomy, inclusion, and rights.

The use of behovshavende as a category has been discussed critically. Proponents argue that it centers on actual support requirements and avoids stigmatizing labels. Critics warn that it can blur lines between needs-based eligibility and universal services, potentially reinforcing dependency if not linked to empowerment and participation in decision-making.

Related terms in the same policy language include behovsbasert (needs-based) approaches, person-centered planning, and rights-based social care. The term appears mainly in governmental reports, public debates, and academic studies on social welfare, disability, housing, and health services. See also welfare state, social policy, disability rights.