Monitoring Optimism in South Africa

The last two decades have been the most crucial and eventful ones in South Africa's history. During this time, the empirical research and knowledge provided by opinion polls yielded much-needed insight into the grass roots of a society in transition, providing an instrument with which to measur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social indicators research 1997-07, Vol.41 (1/3), p.279-304
Main Author: Harris, Mari
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Black people
Censuses
Countries
Democratization
Economic status
Economic surveys
Economic trends
Economic value
Monitoring
Optimism
Perceptions
Political aspects
Political Change
Polls
Public Opinion
Public Opinion Research
Social Change
Social conditions & trends
Social indicators
Social Perception
Society
South Africa
Values
Well-being
Wellbeing
White people
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Summary:The last two decades have been the most crucial and eventful ones in South Africa's history. During this time, the empirical research and knowledge provided by opinion polls yielded much-needed insight into the grass roots of a society in transition, providing an instrument with which to measure the political climate, to observe trends and developments, and to give input into the decision-making process of companies and political parties. Although the process of change and political transition still remains difficult to define properly, this article will provide some insight into the attitudes, perceptions and values of the South African public, by giving attention to trends that have transpired over the years. Special attention is devoted to perceptions on pertinent issues such as the mood in the country, optimism, economic well-being, social harmony and trust - all essential elements in an emerging democracy. Extensive use is made of data and findings of Markinor's bi-annual Socio-Political Trends surveys, the World Values Studies and the annual Gallup End-of-Year Poll.
ISSN:0303-8300
1573-0921
DOI:10.1023/a:1006821123224