DST Fellowships: Doctoral Degree

Jacqueline Moodley obtained a BSc honours in psychology in 2009 and an MSc in research psychology in 2013, both from UJ, where she is currently enrolled for a PhD in development studies.

Moodley is particularly interested in children with disabilities in South Africa. This marginalised section of society has a poorer health status and reduced access to schooling, as well as being prone to abuse and neglect. While current measures of multiple deprivation for such children are powerful advocacy tools, they often mask the needs of children with disabilities. Moodley’s study will therefore contribute to the creation of a new index to monitor and track the quality of life of these children. The index will be guided by the Human Capability Framework, pioneered by Indian economist Amartya Sen, and will seek to include aspects such as access to services, economic security, protection from violence, and the levels of care provided for children with disabilities.

Moodley has published and/or contributed to eight journal articles and three book chapters on various social development research themes, including disability, wellbeing and mental health.

She was awarded a visiting scholarship to the University of Chicago in 2016. In 2017, she was invited to join the Global Research on Disability and Inclusion team based at Washington University in St Louis. Moodley holds a professional registration as a research psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and is a member of the international Human Development and Capability Association.