Religiosity and quality of life in South Africa
SOURCE: Social Indicators Research
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2007
TITLE AUTHOR(S): S.Rule
KEYWORDS: QUALITY OF LIFE, RELIGION
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 6561
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/4053
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/4053
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2007
TITLE AUTHOR(S): S.Rule
KEYWORDS: QUALITY OF LIFE, RELIGION
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 6561
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/4053
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/4053
If you would like to obtain a copy of this Research Output, please contact Hanlie Baudin at researchoutputs@hsrc.ac.za.
Abstract
Using nationally representative survey data, this paper explores the relationship between religiosity and quality of life. Three indicators of religiosity are used: (i) frequency of attendance at religious services or meetings, (ii) orthodoxy of beliefs in relation to Biblical teachings and (iii) religious denomination. Quality of life (QoL) is measured in terms of (i) household access to modern conveniences, (ii) self-assessed life satisfaction and (iii) level of satisfaction with government institutions. The data shows a significant but not very strong statistical relationship between religiosity and QoL. People who attend religious meetings most frequently and who hold the most orthodox religious views are thus more likely to have access to modern conveniences and to be satisfied with their lives. Satisfaction with government, however, tends to be highest amongst nominally religious people and lowest amongst both the most orthodox and the least religious.-
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