The subjective well-being of day labourers in South Africa : the role of income and geographical location
- Blaauw, Phillip F., Botha, Ilse, Schenck, Catherina
- Authors: Blaauw, Phillip F. , Botha, Ilse , Schenck, Catherina
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273320 , uj:29115 , Citation: Blaauw, P.F., Botha, I. & Schenck, C., 2018, ‘The subjective well-being of day labourers in South Africa: The role of income and geographical location’, South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences 21(1), a2087. https://doi.org/10.4102/ sajems.v21i1.2087 , ISSN: (Online) 2222-3436
- Description: Abstract: Background: The informal economy in South Africa provides employment to large numbers of people who would otherwise have no opportunity to earn a living. Yet informal activities, such as day labouring, generate highly uncertain returns. Although it seems reasonable to conclude that day labourers would be dissatisfied with their lives, this is not necessarily the case as several factors contribute to people’s subjective well-being. Aim: This study is in response to a call for more research on the subjective well-being of marginalised groups in South Africa’s informal labour market. Setting: The day labour market in South Africa, whose members congregate at hiring sites hoping to be picked up by passers-by in need of temporary, casual workers. Methods: Using Sen’s Capability Approach, the study builds on earlier research conducted on the general well-being of day labourers in South Africa, with specific focus on their subjective well-being and geographical location. The results from a countrywide survey of 3830 day labourers were used in a regression analysis to compare the subjective well-being among day labourers across the nine provinces of South Africa. Results: There are statistically significant differences in the well-being of day labourers across the nine provinces. Economic variables play a role in both objective and subjective measures of well-being, while attitudinal and comparison variables are significant for the objective and subjective measures, respectively. Conclusions: Although they have to operate in harsh conditions, day labourers in South Africa display agency by choosing to migrate to richer provinces in search of greater economic opportunity and reward. However, these potential gains are often negated by increased levels of competition and thus depressed wage levels. How to nurture marginalised groups’ abilities to exercise agency and take more control of their lives represents fertile ground for researchers in future.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Blaauw, Phillip F. , Botha, Ilse , Schenck, Catherina
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273320 , uj:29115 , Citation: Blaauw, P.F., Botha, I. & Schenck, C., 2018, ‘The subjective well-being of day labourers in South Africa: The role of income and geographical location’, South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences 21(1), a2087. https://doi.org/10.4102/ sajems.v21i1.2087 , ISSN: (Online) 2222-3436
- Description: Abstract: Background: The informal economy in South Africa provides employment to large numbers of people who would otherwise have no opportunity to earn a living. Yet informal activities, such as day labouring, generate highly uncertain returns. Although it seems reasonable to conclude that day labourers would be dissatisfied with their lives, this is not necessarily the case as several factors contribute to people’s subjective well-being. Aim: This study is in response to a call for more research on the subjective well-being of marginalised groups in South Africa’s informal labour market. Setting: The day labour market in South Africa, whose members congregate at hiring sites hoping to be picked up by passers-by in need of temporary, casual workers. Methods: Using Sen’s Capability Approach, the study builds on earlier research conducted on the general well-being of day labourers in South Africa, with specific focus on their subjective well-being and geographical location. The results from a countrywide survey of 3830 day labourers were used in a regression analysis to compare the subjective well-being among day labourers across the nine provinces of South Africa. Results: There are statistically significant differences in the well-being of day labourers across the nine provinces. Economic variables play a role in both objective and subjective measures of well-being, while attitudinal and comparison variables are significant for the objective and subjective measures, respectively. Conclusions: Although they have to operate in harsh conditions, day labourers in South Africa display agency by choosing to migrate to richer provinces in search of greater economic opportunity and reward. However, these potential gains are often negated by increased levels of competition and thus depressed wage levels. How to nurture marginalised groups’ abilities to exercise agency and take more control of their lives represents fertile ground for researchers in future.
- Full Text:
A socio-ecological perspective on occupational and health risks of waste pickers on landfills in South Africa
- Schenck, Catherina J., Blaauw, Phillip F., Viljoen, Jacoba M. M., Swart, Elizabeth C.
- Authors: Schenck, Catherina J. , Blaauw, Phillip F. , Viljoen, Jacoba M. M. , Swart, Elizabeth C.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Waste pickers , Landfill , Landfill waste picker
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296380 , uj:32290 , Citation: Schenck, C.J. et al. 2019. A socio-ecological perspective on occupational and health risks of waste pickers on landfills in South Africa. A socio-ecological perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16, 2059; doi:10.3390/ijerph16112059
- Description: Abstract: Landfill and street waste pickers in South Africa are responsible for collecting substantial volumes of recyclable material, saving municipalities millions and contributing to a generally healthier and cleaner environment. Yet waste pickers continue to operate on the fringes of the economy and are exposed to many risks, particularly health risks which have a direct impact on the sustainability of their livelihoods. This article, using a mixed-methods approach, explores the health risks to which waste pickers working on nine different landfills in the country are exposed. The socio-ecological framework was used to analyse and present the results. A key finding was that waste picking, by its very nature, lends itself to innumerable health risks, but that these can be lessened through concerted and collaborative efforts on the part of landfill operators, local authorities and other stakeholders. Integrating the ‘self-employed’ waste pickers into the formal waste management system should be comprehensive in order to limit health risks. Waste pickers will never have a risk-free environment, but facilitative policies and supportive institutions can collaboratively help to mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable and dignified working environment towards sustaining their livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schenck, Catherina J. , Blaauw, Phillip F. , Viljoen, Jacoba M. M. , Swart, Elizabeth C.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Waste pickers , Landfill , Landfill waste picker
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296380 , uj:32290 , Citation: Schenck, C.J. et al. 2019. A socio-ecological perspective on occupational and health risks of waste pickers on landfills in South Africa. A socio-ecological perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16, 2059; doi:10.3390/ijerph16112059
- Description: Abstract: Landfill and street waste pickers in South Africa are responsible for collecting substantial volumes of recyclable material, saving municipalities millions and contributing to a generally healthier and cleaner environment. Yet waste pickers continue to operate on the fringes of the economy and are exposed to many risks, particularly health risks which have a direct impact on the sustainability of their livelihoods. This article, using a mixed-methods approach, explores the health risks to which waste pickers working on nine different landfills in the country are exposed. The socio-ecological framework was used to analyse and present the results. A key finding was that waste picking, by its very nature, lends itself to innumerable health risks, but that these can be lessened through concerted and collaborative efforts on the part of landfill operators, local authorities and other stakeholders. Integrating the ‘self-employed’ waste pickers into the formal waste management system should be comprehensive in order to limit health risks. Waste pickers will never have a risk-free environment, but facilitative policies and supportive institutions can collaboratively help to mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable and dignified working environment towards sustaining their livelihoods.
- Full Text:
The management of South African landfills and waste pickers on them : impacting lives and livelihoods
- Schenck, Catherina J., Blaauw, Phillip F., Swart, Elizabeth C., Viljoen, Jacoba M.M., Mudavanhu, Naome
- Authors: Schenck, Catherina J. , Blaauw, Phillip F. , Swart, Elizabeth C. , Viljoen, Jacoba M.M. , Mudavanhu, Naome
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Landfill waste pickers , Landfills , Waste management
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289167 , uj:31370 , Citation: Catherina J Schenck, Phillip F Blaauw, Elizabeth C Swart, Jacoba M M Viljoen & Naome Mudavanhu (2019) The management of South Africa’s landfills and waste pickers on them: Impacting lives and livelihoods, Development Southern Africa, 36:1, 80-98, DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2018.1483822
- Description: Abstract: Effective management of waste and the promotion and management of recycling activities are necessary for sustainable and liveable cities. A key but unrecognised element in promoting recycling is the efforts of waste pickers who make a living from recycling mainline recyclables. This article aims to describe the approaches used on ten landfills in South Africa to manage waste pickers’ access to recyclables and their daily activities on the landfills. A multiple case study design and cross-case analysis were used in this study. The sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) was used to analyse and explain the data. The results showed that waste management policies and practices directly influence the waste pickers’ access to recyclable waste and their livelihoods. Finally, some inclusionary and exclusionary practices are highlighted that could guide inclusive, participatory and co-productive practices for waste pickers in South Africa towards increased recognition, access, dignity and income.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schenck, Catherina J. , Blaauw, Phillip F. , Swart, Elizabeth C. , Viljoen, Jacoba M.M. , Mudavanhu, Naome
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Landfill waste pickers , Landfills , Waste management
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289167 , uj:31370 , Citation: Catherina J Schenck, Phillip F Blaauw, Elizabeth C Swart, Jacoba M M Viljoen & Naome Mudavanhu (2019) The management of South Africa’s landfills and waste pickers on them: Impacting lives and livelihoods, Development Southern Africa, 36:1, 80-98, DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2018.1483822
- Description: Abstract: Effective management of waste and the promotion and management of recycling activities are necessary for sustainable and liveable cities. A key but unrecognised element in promoting recycling is the efforts of waste pickers who make a living from recycling mainline recyclables. This article aims to describe the approaches used on ten landfills in South Africa to manage waste pickers’ access to recyclables and their daily activities on the landfills. A multiple case study design and cross-case analysis were used in this study. The sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) was used to analyse and explain the data. The results showed that waste management policies and practices directly influence the waste pickers’ access to recyclable waste and their livelihoods. Finally, some inclusionary and exclusionary practices are highlighted that could guide inclusive, participatory and co-productive practices for waste pickers in South Africa towards increased recognition, access, dignity and income.
- Full Text:
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