Working Paper No 5: Being Poor – A STUDY OF THE BASIC NEEDS AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF POVERTY AND DEPRIVATION IN VOSLOOORUS

In a nutshell, current policy literature and analysis is often marked by social distance and is consequently devoid of empathy. This research report of the Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII) seeks to reverse current policy research trends on poverty by putting the poor, their voice and experience at the centre of the research process. Using Vosloorus Township, the research report sets out the initial findings arising from the focus group studies, the localised survey and the observational studies that took place over a nine-month period. Out of the research outcomes, the report then goes on to distil recommendations on approaches and strategies that the state and other actors can adopt in attempts at supporting people’s initiatives in the fight against poverty. The report also seeks to identify those barriers or obstacles that appear to be too large for people to manipulate and that would require some structural change and thus unlock potential in as far as grassroots initiatives are concerned.