Conditional support for pro-poor policy

More than a decade after the advent of democracy, South Africa has still one of the most unequal societies in the world, but a recent study reveals that public support for pro-poor policies is highly conditional.

According to 'The Mutability of Distributive Justice Attitudes in South Africa' by the Social Survey Unit of the University of Cape Town (UCT), people believed society was unequal, and there was "strong support for government action to reduce inequalities".

However, "South Africans, like most people in many other parts of the world, see some people as more deserving than others, with perceived desert reflecting recognised needs (e.g. the elderly), responsibilities (e.g. breadwinners) and behaviour (with respondents being hostile to support for chronic drinkers, for example)," the report commented.

Respondents to the survey were influenced less by the race of the beneficiary than by their behaviour or need. "Overall, many poor people are considered deserving, probably because they are seen as victims of situations beyond their control (old age, poor parents, unemployment)."

South Africa has a joblessness rate of between 30 and 40 percent, depending on which definition is used.

The study noted that some, but not all, people would be less willing to support the poor if the government were to ask taxpayers for more money.

"Almost everyone supports proposals such as increasing the value of the old-age pension, helping the unemployed and ensuring equal opportunities for poor and rich children ... [but] very small majorities support a basic income for all, or increasing pensions if it means increasing taxes also," the report found.

In 2002 the government-appointed Taylor Committee recommended the introduction of a basic income grant (BIG), a grant of R100 (US $16) per person per month for every South African citizen, regardless of age or income level, in the hope that this would improve living standards. However, the government remains undecided on the matter.

Reverend Edwin Arrison, a proponent of BIG, told IRIN policy-makers were very aware that "people are generally quite conditional about" financial support for the poor. "Even amongst the poor themselves, some will say more money [in the child support grant] will lead to poor people having more children, for example."

Such widely held views could influence policy decisions on poverty alleviation. "This attitude gives policy-makers the space and leverage to use against a universal [basic income grant] argument," said Arrison.

The government has a range of social grants in place, including child support, pensions and an expanded public works programme in response to stubborn unemployment levels.

The UCT study concluded that racial stereotypes had little influence on people's support for pro-poor policies.

For the full report go to: www.cssr.uct.ac.za