[2] Inspired by Moscovici's work on social representation theory she further developed it both theoretically and empirically.
She took it in an innovative direction in her early research which was concerned with exploring the social dynamics within a rural French community which provided accommodation for adults with mental health problems.
Jodelet adopted an ethnographic approach spending considerable time within the community getting to know the residents and how they organised their daily routines.
From this she developed a sophisticated understanding of how mental illness was represented in the community not only in language but also in everyday practices.
She subsequently conducted research on the application of social representation theory in the fields of the environment, education, the body and health.