A multidimensional understanding of wellbeing to address poverty and inequality in South Africa: A historical, methodological and practical approach

STATUS: Completed
PROJECT LEADER:Van Rooyen, HE (Prof. Heidi)
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS: Reddy, D (Ms Deshanie), Desmond, CJ (Dr Chris), Swartz, SG (Prof. Sharlene), Naicker, SN (Dr Sara), Groenewald, CJ (Dr Candice), Ngcobo, AS (Dr Sibongile), Khumalo, SK (Ms Sinakekelwe), Fluks, LL (Dr Lorenza), Tolla, TAH (Ms Tsidiso), Lynch, I (Dr Ingrid), Essop, R (Ms Roshin), Cooper, AL (Dr Adam), Mahali, AS (Dr Alude), Nkwanyana, A (Ms Akhona)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE: ()
RESEARCH OUTPUTS: Networks of well-being in the Global South: a critical review of current scholarship

Abstract

We propose a medium to long term programme of research that develops a critical and multidimensional understanding of wellbeing to address poverty and inequality in South Africa. The aim is to deepen understandings of human wellbeing over time, taking into account individual and collective agency (personal, household, and community levels) and struggles in the face of persistent poverty and widening inequalities. The effect of such a programme of research would be to articulate objective and subjective accounts of human wellbeing at multiple levels and in multiple dimensions with a view to shifting these experiences of poverty and inequality. The project will have three components historical, methodological and practical leading to a fourth, longer term goal.