Subjective well-being : gender differences in South Africa
- Authors: Fisher, Bianca Lara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Well-being , Sex differences (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/421197 , uj:35892
- Description: Abstract: The main aim of this minor dissertation is to gain a greater understanding of gender differences in subjective well-being in South Africa. Happiness1 or subjective well-being is the primary objective of most, if not all, people (Veenhoven, 1984; Ng, 1996). In an attempt to better understand which factors influence one’s happiness, economists in both developed and developing countries have turned to self-reported life satisfaction surveys to identify the possible determinants of subjective well-being. Previous South African studies have found that the level of life satisfaction is not the same for males and females. This is problematic, as differences in happiness between genders may have potential unwanted spill-overs by adding to other disparities in society (Veenhoven, 2005). Empirical research on gender gaps in subjective well-being is well-documented in developed countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom. However, there are no studies in South Africa that explicitly decompose the gender gaps in happiness. Against this background, this minor dissertation contributes to the international literature by decomposing a gender happiness gap for a developing, upper middle-income country, which has previously not been done before. In addition, this minor dissertation contributes to the South African literature by examining changes in the gender happiness gap at two points in time. .. , M.Com. (Development Economics)
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- Authors: Fisher, Bianca Lara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Well-being , Sex differences (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/421197 , uj:35892
- Description: Abstract: The main aim of this minor dissertation is to gain a greater understanding of gender differences in subjective well-being in South Africa. Happiness1 or subjective well-being is the primary objective of most, if not all, people (Veenhoven, 1984; Ng, 1996). In an attempt to better understand which factors influence one’s happiness, economists in both developed and developing countries have turned to self-reported life satisfaction surveys to identify the possible determinants of subjective well-being. Previous South African studies have found that the level of life satisfaction is not the same for males and females. This is problematic, as differences in happiness between genders may have potential unwanted spill-overs by adding to other disparities in society (Veenhoven, 2005). Empirical research on gender gaps in subjective well-being is well-documented in developed countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom. However, there are no studies in South Africa that explicitly decompose the gender gaps in happiness. Against this background, this minor dissertation contributes to the international literature by decomposing a gender happiness gap for a developing, upper middle-income country, which has previously not been done before. In addition, this minor dissertation contributes to the South African literature by examining changes in the gender happiness gap at two points in time. .. , M.Com. (Development Economics)
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An investigation of gender differences in Holland’s circular/hexagonal model
- Authors: Mintram, Kersha Natalja
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex differences (Psychology) , Vocational guidance - Technique
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271892 , uj:28926
- Description: M.A. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Two main aims were assessed in this study. Firstly, the intention was to investigate structural invariance in Holland’s circular/hexagonal model across gender (i.e., to investigate whether or not there is construct or structural equivalence across gender). The second aim was to evaluate if mean score differences in the RIASEC types (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) and the People-Things and Data-Ideas dimensions across gender exist. This study also investigated if item level bias (differential item functioning) across gender had an impact on the structure of Holland’s circular/hexagonal model or mean scores on the RIASEC types. In total 407 men and women who completed the South African Career Interest Inventory (SACII) participated in the study. A two-way analysis of variance was used to investigate uniform and non-uniform differential item functioning. Only 18 of the 142 SACII items were found to have differential item functioning. The structure of Holland’s vocational/personality model was examined using multidimensional scaling, the randomisation test of hypothesised order relations, and circumplex covariance structure modelling. RIASEC ordering was detected within the obtained data, thus supporting international and South African research. Although the model fit both genders sufficiently and was mostly invariant across gender, the model produced a better fit for women when compared to men. The results are different from earlier South African research that noted that Holland’s circular/hexagonal model was not appropriate for the South African population. Although a better fit was observed for women, the results from this study propose that Holland’s circular ordering/hexagonal model might be more applicable in South Africa than what was suggested in earlier research. Differential item functioning had little impact on the structure of Holland’s circular/hexagonal model as the results held true regardless of whether or not DIF items were removed. The study further investigated if mean score differences in the RIASEC types and the People-Things and Data-Ideas dimensions exist between men and women and if these differences could be attributed to items with differential item functioning. Mean score differences were investigated using independent samples t-tests and discriminant analysis. Mean score differences were noted on the Realistic scale (with men receiving a higher score) and the Social scale (with women scoring higher). Men also scored higher on the Things pole and women higher on the People pole. The mean score differences remained even after items with differential item
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- Authors: Mintram, Kersha Natalja
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex differences (Psychology) , Vocational guidance - Technique
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271892 , uj:28926
- Description: M.A. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Two main aims were assessed in this study. Firstly, the intention was to investigate structural invariance in Holland’s circular/hexagonal model across gender (i.e., to investigate whether or not there is construct or structural equivalence across gender). The second aim was to evaluate if mean score differences in the RIASEC types (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) and the People-Things and Data-Ideas dimensions across gender exist. This study also investigated if item level bias (differential item functioning) across gender had an impact on the structure of Holland’s circular/hexagonal model or mean scores on the RIASEC types. In total 407 men and women who completed the South African Career Interest Inventory (SACII) participated in the study. A two-way analysis of variance was used to investigate uniform and non-uniform differential item functioning. Only 18 of the 142 SACII items were found to have differential item functioning. The structure of Holland’s vocational/personality model was examined using multidimensional scaling, the randomisation test of hypothesised order relations, and circumplex covariance structure modelling. RIASEC ordering was detected within the obtained data, thus supporting international and South African research. Although the model fit both genders sufficiently and was mostly invariant across gender, the model produced a better fit for women when compared to men. The results are different from earlier South African research that noted that Holland’s circular/hexagonal model was not appropriate for the South African population. Although a better fit was observed for women, the results from this study propose that Holland’s circular ordering/hexagonal model might be more applicable in South Africa than what was suggested in earlier research. Differential item functioning had little impact on the structure of Holland’s circular/hexagonal model as the results held true regardless of whether or not DIF items were removed. The study further investigated if mean score differences in the RIASEC types and the People-Things and Data-Ideas dimensions exist between men and women and if these differences could be attributed to items with differential item functioning. Mean score differences were investigated using independent samples t-tests and discriminant analysis. Mean score differences were noted on the Realistic scale (with men receiving a higher score) and the Social scale (with women scoring higher). Men also scored higher on the Things pole and women higher on the People pole. The mean score differences remained even after items with differential item
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Gender differences in the recall of neutral, positive and negative emotive words
- Authors: Cuming, Jessica
- Date: 2013-04-10
- Subjects: Brain - Sex differences , Emotions - Sex differences , Sex differences (Psychology)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:7422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8280
- Description: M.A. (Psychology) , Memory and emotion are two constructs which have received significant attention in the field of psychology. Another area of focus which has become popular in the psychological literature is gender differences. Together, these three constructs have also been investigated in various ways. However, there seems to be little research that has focused specifically on the possible gender differences in the recall of neutral, positive and negative material. The link between memory and emotion has been demonstrated in a variety of previous research studies. These studies indicate that memory performance is enhanced for emotive material. Gender differences have been noted in the psychological literature in terms of language abilities, emotional functioning, memory, cognitive processing style and neuropsychology. From past research it was unclear as to whether gender differences would be present in the recall of neutral and emotionally arousing words. This study involved 71 students from the University of Johannesburg. A word list was developed from a database of words rated in terms of valence and arousal, which was used to test the recall of neutral, positive and negative emotive words for each participant. Non-parametric statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. The results of the study indicated statistically significant differences between male and female participants in the recall of neutral words and the total recall of words. In particular, females recalled significantly more neutral words than males, and the same result was found with regards to the total number of words recalled. There were no statistically significant differences found between male and female participants in the recall of positive and negative emotive words. Numerous explanations can account for these findings. These include the theory of desensitization, which involves a decreased response to emotionally arousing material due to continuous exposure to aversive stimuli over time. Another explanation focuses on the differences between the biological sex of participants and their sex-related traits of masculinity or femininity. Finally, the words chosen for the word list may not have had the desired effect on the participants. It is recommended that future studies develop a database of words which are rated in terms of valence and arousal by a sample in the population of interest. In addition, the language proficiency of the participants should also be determined.
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- Authors: Cuming, Jessica
- Date: 2013-04-10
- Subjects: Brain - Sex differences , Emotions - Sex differences , Sex differences (Psychology)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:7422 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8280
- Description: M.A. (Psychology) , Memory and emotion are two constructs which have received significant attention in the field of psychology. Another area of focus which has become popular in the psychological literature is gender differences. Together, these three constructs have also been investigated in various ways. However, there seems to be little research that has focused specifically on the possible gender differences in the recall of neutral, positive and negative material. The link between memory and emotion has been demonstrated in a variety of previous research studies. These studies indicate that memory performance is enhanced for emotive material. Gender differences have been noted in the psychological literature in terms of language abilities, emotional functioning, memory, cognitive processing style and neuropsychology. From past research it was unclear as to whether gender differences would be present in the recall of neutral and emotionally arousing words. This study involved 71 students from the University of Johannesburg. A word list was developed from a database of words rated in terms of valence and arousal, which was used to test the recall of neutral, positive and negative emotive words for each participant. Non-parametric statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. The results of the study indicated statistically significant differences between male and female participants in the recall of neutral words and the total recall of words. In particular, females recalled significantly more neutral words than males, and the same result was found with regards to the total number of words recalled. There were no statistically significant differences found between male and female participants in the recall of positive and negative emotive words. Numerous explanations can account for these findings. These include the theory of desensitization, which involves a decreased response to emotionally arousing material due to continuous exposure to aversive stimuli over time. Another explanation focuses on the differences between the biological sex of participants and their sex-related traits of masculinity or femininity. Finally, the words chosen for the word list may not have had the desired effect on the participants. It is recommended that future studies develop a database of words which are rated in terms of valence and arousal by a sample in the population of interest. In addition, the language proficiency of the participants should also be determined.
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Engagement and meaningfulness at work : the moderating roles of life satisfaction and gender
- Authors: Williamson, Jillian Carolyn
- Date: 2012-10-30
- Subjects: Work engagement , Meaningfulness , Well-being , Quality of life , Quality of work life , Satisfaction , Meaning (Psychology) , Sex differences (Psychology)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10490 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7987
- Description: M.Comm. , Orientation: Scientific knowledge relating to the field of positive psychology within the South African workplace is required. Purpose: The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the relationships between work engagement, psychological meaningfulness, life satisfaction and gender and (2) to test whether life satisfaction and gender had a moderating effect on the amount of psychological meaningfulness and engagement put forth by employees at work. Motivation: Although research on life satisfaction is abundant within the field of psychology, research within the work environment is limited. Furthermore, research is needed within South Africa to promote well-being of employees. Method: Survey designs were used to capture a sample from various South African organisations (n = 800). The Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Work Engagement Scale and the Psychological Meaningfulness Scale were administered. Results: Firstly, life satisfaction, work engagement and psychological meaningfulness were significantly correlated. Secondly, psychological meaningfulness was a significant predictor of work engagement. Thirdly, life satisfaction significantly moderated psychological meaningfulness on work engagement. Fourthly, gender significantly moderated psychological meaningfulness on work engagement. Lastly, psychological meaningfulness and work engagement were significant predictors of life satisfaction. Contribution: This research created an understanding of employee wellness at work through the combination of employee’s personal and work lives. Future research could focus on identifying what behaviours promote such constructs to enhance individual and organisational success.
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- Authors: Williamson, Jillian Carolyn
- Date: 2012-10-30
- Subjects: Work engagement , Meaningfulness , Well-being , Quality of life , Quality of work life , Satisfaction , Meaning (Psychology) , Sex differences (Psychology)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10490 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7987
- Description: M.Comm. , Orientation: Scientific knowledge relating to the field of positive psychology within the South African workplace is required. Purpose: The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the relationships between work engagement, psychological meaningfulness, life satisfaction and gender and (2) to test whether life satisfaction and gender had a moderating effect on the amount of psychological meaningfulness and engagement put forth by employees at work. Motivation: Although research on life satisfaction is abundant within the field of psychology, research within the work environment is limited. Furthermore, research is needed within South Africa to promote well-being of employees. Method: Survey designs were used to capture a sample from various South African organisations (n = 800). The Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Work Engagement Scale and the Psychological Meaningfulness Scale were administered. Results: Firstly, life satisfaction, work engagement and psychological meaningfulness were significantly correlated. Secondly, psychological meaningfulness was a significant predictor of work engagement. Thirdly, life satisfaction significantly moderated psychological meaningfulness on work engagement. Fourthly, gender significantly moderated psychological meaningfulness on work engagement. Lastly, psychological meaningfulness and work engagement were significant predictors of life satisfaction. Contribution: This research created an understanding of employee wellness at work through the combination of employee’s personal and work lives. Future research could focus on identifying what behaviours promote such constructs to enhance individual and organisational success.
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Persoonlikheidsfunksionering van androgene individue binne huwelikskonteks
- Authors: Heyns, Anelise
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Androgyny (Psychology) , Gender identity , Sex differences (Psychology) , Personality and situation , Bisexuality in marriage
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5516
- Description: M.A. , The aim of this study was to generate hypotheses concerning personality functioning of androgynous individuals, and more specifically within the context of marital relationships. Ideally, a holistic view of a person in his/her unique life situation should be taken into account in scientific research. In order to limit this study only two personality concepts were studied, self concept and locus of control. it must be kept in mind , however that there is an ecological interaction between many more and unknown factors and granting that it is artificial to isolate only two factors from encompassing whole.
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- Authors: Heyns, Anelise
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Androgyny (Psychology) , Gender identity , Sex differences (Psychology) , Personality and situation , Bisexuality in marriage
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5516
- Description: M.A. , The aim of this study was to generate hypotheses concerning personality functioning of androgynous individuals, and more specifically within the context of marital relationships. Ideally, a holistic view of a person in his/her unique life situation should be taken into account in scientific research. In order to limit this study only two personality concepts were studied, self concept and locus of control. it must be kept in mind , however that there is an ecological interaction between many more and unknown factors and granting that it is artificial to isolate only two factors from encompassing whole.
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