This project explores subjective measures of well-being in South Africa, using quantitative data not previously available in nationally representative household surveys for South Africa. The first research component analyses the correlates of subjective well-being (life satisfaction) using data collected in the first two waves of the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS). A key focus of this research has been to compare 'actual' relative income with perceived relative income and to consider how these measures are related to subjective well-being. The second part of the research compares subjective and objective indicators of poverty using data collected in the 2008/2009 Living Conditions Survey. A primary objective is to explore what we can learn about objective poverty measures when objective and subjective poverty measures do not overlap. A third, and completed research project investigated measures of trusting behaviour in South Africa, and in particular, it probed race differences in trust, using data collected in the National Income Dynamics Study. Key objectives of the study were to investigate whether lower levels of trust reported by Africans are sustained across all socio-economic groups.
Publications:
Posel, D. and Hinks, T. (2013) Trusting neighbours or strangers in a racially divided society: Insights from South Africa. Journal of African Economies 22(1):136-162.
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Posel, D. and Casale, D. (2011) Relative standing and subjective well-being in South Africa: The role of perceptions, expectations and income mobility. Social Indicators Research 104(2):195-223. (Electronic publication, DOI: 10.1007/s11205-010-9740-2). (Also published as ERSA Working Paper, no. 201.)
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Casale, D. and Posel, D. (2010). Investigating the well-being of rural women in South Africa. Agenda, 84:44 - 50.More
Participants:
Professor Dori Posel
Dr Daniela Casale
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