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Family Functioning and Socioeconomic Status in South African Families: A Test of the Social Causation Hypothesis

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  • Ferdi Botha

    (Rhodes University
    University of Antwerp)

  • Frikkie Booysen

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
    University of the Free State)

  • Edwin Wouters

    (University of Antwerp)

Abstract

Optimal family relationships are central to individual well-being. The focus of this paper is on family functioning and how socioeconomic status (SES) explains family functioning. Ecological theory states that a family’s socioeconomic context is determined by macro-systemic factors, thereby influencing individuals’ perceptions of family functioning. Within this context, the social causation hypothesis asserts that social conditions influence family functioning. This paper uses the Family Attachment and Changeability Index as measure of family functioning. SES is viewed as multidimensional and individual-, household-, and subjective SES indices are developed using multiple correspondence analysis. Multivariate regression models suggest that household- and subjective SES are associated with higher levels of perceived flexibility in the family. There is no association between SES and family members’ attachment to each other. In general, the findings support the social causation hypothesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferdi Botha & Frikkie Booysen & Edwin Wouters, 2018. "Family Functioning and Socioeconomic Status in South African Families: A Test of the Social Causation Hypothesis," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 137(2), pages 789-811, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:137:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-017-1600-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-017-1600-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Shek & Hildie Leung & Su Lu, 2014. "Perceived Family Life Quality in Junior Secondary School Students in Hong Kong," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 117(3), pages 757-775, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Enrique Alonso-Perez & Paul Gellert & Michaela Kreyenfeld & Julie Lorraine O’Sullivan, 2022. "Family Structure and Family Climate in Relation to Health and Socioeconomic Status for Older Adults: A Longitudinal Moderated Mediation Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-17, September.

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