Children’s views of an acceptable standard of living for children in South Africa

A legacy of social, political and economic inequality continues to shape children’s prospects in South Africa. Children are affected by poverty in various ways, including physical hunger, child labour and insecurity.

This report contributes to the growing body of research taking into account children’s views when considering pro-poor policies. Focus groups with children were conducted in 2007 and 2008 in different areas of South Africa, and the children highlighted issues of safety – at school, in the home and neighbourhood. The threats to safety that the children pointed out are associated with factors that are in turn related in various ways to poverty.

Children’s views of an acceptable standard of living for children in South Africa. (2009) Helen Barnes. Department of Social Development