Impact of perceptions of poverty on the well-being of South Africans

Abstract

The study examines the impact of perceptions of the causes of poverty including a number of socio-demographic variables such as race and geographic location on the well-being of South Africans. Research focusing on perceptions of the causes of poverty indicates that poverty is normally perceived according to three dimensions: fatalistic, structural and individualistic (Hunt 2004; Shek 2004; Shek 2002; Sun 2001). Employing secondary data analysis on a sample of 2400 South Africans, the study shows that more than half of the South African population lacks access to basic necessities, that most people and the poor in particular perceive poverty in structural dimensions rather than individualistic dimensions. Predicting access to basic necessities the study found LSM, education and race to be the most significant. The study concludes that lack of basic necessities forces poor people (black Africans in particular) to live lives far below what is acceptable in contemporary South Africa. Furthermore, the poor are seen as lacking drift and motivation to succeed or to break the poverty cycle. The disadvantages experienced by the poor as well as the negative connotations attached to the poor create feelings of marginalization, victimization and social exclusion, which is extremely damaging to their self-esteem and overall well-being. Finally, the study argues that both the physical and mental impact of poverty must be addressed.