Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, Vol 13, No 3 (2017)

Abstract

This paper investigated the influence of four economic factors, namely education, health, income level and household size on the life satisfaction of township residents in South Africa. The sample consisted of 285 individuals recruited from Sebokeng, 298 from Sharpville and 402 from Sicelo townships located in the southern part of Gauteng Province. The association between each economic factor and life satisfaction was analysed using regression analysis. Education, health, and household size were statistically significant, which validates traditionally acknowledged patterns. However, income did not predict life satisfaction, which contradicts conventional perspectives. Education was the strongest predictor of life satisfaction when compared to other economic factors. Overall, the study endorses the complexity of the association between economic factors and life satisfaction. The paper closes by drawing conclusions based on the results and suggesting several policy implications for the improvement of life satisfaction in South African townships.