The idea of
want can be examined from many perspectives. In secular societies want might be considered similar to the emotion
desire, which can be studied scientifically through the disciplines of
psychology or
sociology. Want might also be examined in
economics as a necessary ingredient in sustaining and perpetuating
capitalist societies that are organised around principles like
consumerism. Alternatively want can be studied in a non-secular, spiritual, moralistic or religious way, particularly by Buddhism but also Christianity, Islam and Judaism.