WISER Perspectives: Multidimensional Drivers of Well-Being in Cape Town’s Informal Settlements

Research on well-being has predominantly focused on affluent populations, often neglecting disadvantaged communities and thereby perpetuating their marginalization in both academic and policy discussions. Perspectives from informal settlements—prevalent in the rapidly urbanizing Global South—offer valuable opportunities to expand and challenge prevailing conceptualizations of well-being. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research is based on a case study on placemaking interventions by the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) program in Cape Town, South Africa. The program is area-based and aims to enhance quality of life in informal settlements through community agency, co-production, and inclusive governance. Based on focus group discussions, transect walks, and qualitative interviews with residents, the study examines how VPUU´s interventions influence residents’ perceptions of life satisfaction and thereby highlights the subjective dimensions of well-being. Accordingly, this study explores (1) the role of community involvement in co-producing social infrastructure; (2) the impact of such involvement on well-being; and (3) strategies to support participation and governance. Findings indicate that while economic stability is important, social and human capital are also significant aspects, underscoring the value of social relationships and community support. Based on the VPUU case, the study introduces a novel framework identifying five key drivers of quality of life: (1) eudaimonic (purpose and belonging); (2) altruistic (community support); (3) relational (trust and social capital); (4) formative (skills and safety); and (5) material (economic and environmental conditions). The research concludes with recommendations for context-specific quality-of-life assessments and governance frameworks to sustain improvements in well-being and strengthen social cohesion.