South Africans are flourishing more than you might expect – here’s why

By: Richard G. Cowden, Harvard University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 21, 2025

Words: 1,161

Last Updated: 3 days, 18 hours ago

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By Richard G. Cowden, Harvard University

South Africa is often portrayed in the media as a country struggling with inequality, corruption, crime, infrastructure collapse and public health challenges. But this isn’t the whole story.

When South Africans are asked to describe their own lives, they often reveal signs that they are flourishing in vital ways. According to the Global Flourishing Study, many South Africans are in fact showing resolve by striving to move …

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