Lauren Graham

Lauren Graham is a Professor of Sociology and the DSI/NRF Interim Research Chair in Welfare and Social Development at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Affiliated with the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) under the Faculty of Humanities, her research focuses on applying and testing social development theories to address multidimensional challenges faced by excluded groups, including youth, precarious workers, people with disabilities, and children in adverse circumstances. She contributes to innovative projects like AI-powered chatbots for postgraduate education and community-based interventions for child wellbeing.

• Key Roles: Professor of Sociology, DSI/NRF Interim Research Chair
• Research Themes: Social policy in the Global South, welfare innovations, poverty and inequality, child wellbeing
• Awards: NRF C-rated scholar, Newton Advanced Fellow

Her work includes collaborations with institutions like the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) and the DG Murray Trust, focusing on evidence-informed interventions such as the Basic Package of Support for NEET youth and the Sihleng’imizi Family Programme. These initiatives integrate cash transfers with care services to improve socioeconomic outcomes.