Association of happiness and socio-economic variables in a South African Township

Abstract

The study reported in this article explored the happiness status of residents in a South African township of Kwakwatsi. The study mainly investigates the relationship between subjective happiness and selected socio-economic and demographics variables. The mean happiness score was 17.82 (SD= 2.92), indicating that individuals are happy with their lives. Further analysis revealed gender, age, marital status, educational attainment, household size and employment status as significant predictors of subjective happiness. Household size was negatively associated with happiness. Household income was not important in explaining the variations in happiness scores. Age, education and employment status were the highest predictors of happiness. The results of the study point to important findings relating to low income households and may form inputs into debates about wellbeing in South Africa.