Sociology Dissertations
B.A. Hons.
2010
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GENDER INEQUALITY IN THE WORKFORCE
Graduate Tracer Study of Sociology and Social Studies Graduates (2005-2009)
This dissertation is about gender inequality in the working force, with particular focus on Sociology and Social
Studies students who have graduated in the past five years. Furthermore, it looks at the recent transition these
graduates are experiencing from graduating to entering the labour market. Moreover, this dissertation will
quantitatively explore whether both males and females are facing the realities of labour market in the same way.
Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). In addition, this study investigates if
these graduates are coming across problems such as wage discrepancy on the basis of gender, equality of
opportunities, and if both genders are facing the same treatment in their working environment. The main results
of this study show that Sociology and Social Studies graduates are not finding same working conditions and
outcomes. Another main recommendation which derived from this study is that Sociology and Social Studies
graduates have difficulties to find entries in the labour market. Something should be done to improve this
situation to ensure facility for future Sociology and Social Studies graduates.
Amii Bartolo
2010
Sociology
o Gender Ideology
o Gender Wage-Gap
o Part-Time Work
o Job Satisfaction
o Labour Force Participation
o Gender Segregation
o Work Environments
I BEFRIENDED A FACE
A Sociological Inquiry of Social Networking Sites in Relation to the Self and the Online Social Activities.
This study focuses on how social networking sites, especially Facebook, are influencing the social communicative
experiences of students attending the University of Malta. It aims at injecting a sociological element in this new
realm of online social networking, an area which is experiencing a growing sociological interest. Through the use
of two qualitative techniques, namely interviews and online participant observation, a rich and genuine first
hand outflow of information is possible, aiding in the in-depth analysis of the emerging issues, namely, dealing
with the presentation of the self and the various mechanisms used, the online web of social connections, the
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private and public boundaries, and finally security issues.
Abigail Scicluna
2010
Sociology
o Facebook
o Internet
o Self-presentation
o Boundaries
o Social Networking
o Space
o University Students
IS RELIGION IN TRANSITION?
Trends of Religiosity in a small Gozitan Village.
This dissertation gives an outlook on the contemporary religious situation among youth in the small village of
Sannat, Gozo. For the purpose of this research fifty questionnaires were distributed to twenty-five males and
twenty-five females, which were chosen through the use of quota sampling techniques. The participants were
asked questions regarding Church attendance, on how they perceive religion in today’s society, on the role of
religion in their life and on how they relate to religious beliefs and values. The main finding of this research is
that for these youth religion still plays an important role in their life. Religion is still perceived as having an
integral part in the Maltese culture and identity.
Christienne Bonnici
2010
Sociology
o Youth
o Religiosity
o Sannat
o Congregational
o Morality
o Ritual
o Identity
o Culture
o Cosmology
THERE’S MORE THAN MEETS THE EAR
A Political-Sociological Investigation into Invisible, Intangible Power in the Sonic Appropriation of Space
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This work addresses the intrinsic link between space and social interaction. It discusses the social
manufacturing of space in relation to its sonic production, taking as its key object the study of atonal sound made
by fireworks in Maltese parish festas.
The seasonal fireworks displays in Malta hence provide merely a temporary sonic appropriation of space, yet
both their production as well as subsequent debates on their appropriateness, are indicative and constitutive of
an array of notions of Maltese identity, including gender roles, moderation and morality, status of social groups
and our Euro-Mediterranean cultural location.
Christine M. Cassar
2010
Sociology
o Fireworks
o Malta
o Sociology
o Anthropology
o Sound
o Space
WELFARE REGIMES:
Exploring the Maltese Social Policy Model
This dissertation is about the exploration of the traits of the Maltese welfare state in comparison to the
mainstream welfare regimes. Many studies have taken place to determine the various characteristics of several
welfare regimes which capitalist countries comprise in relation to their welfare state. Furthermore, the three
man welfare regimes established by these studies are the Conservative, Liberal and Social Democratic; and
eventually the Southern European welfare state. This study deduces that Malta has no clear-cut traits that
replicate one particular model of welfare. Moreover, Malta has a hybrid system of welfare as a result of certain
factors such as Malta’s colonial history, the country’s geographical location, the importance of the Church, EU
membership; among others.
Ian Bugeja
2010
Sociology
THE ROLE OF THE ETC (EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CORPORATION) TO ENSURE A SOCIALLY
INCLUSIVE SOCIETY IN RESPECT OF FEMALES IN GOZO
To be fully emancipated, women have to enjoy the same rights as men in the working place and be provided with
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equal employment opportunities. This study is focused on female participation in the Gozitan labour market. The
female unemployed registering at the ETC Gozo centre and the factors which are keeping Gozitan women away
from work have been analysed. Special attention was given to the views of female unemployed themselves and
these were compared to those of the male employed. This study was widened and deepened by taking the views
of the policy makers. A link was created between labour market training and women’s empowerment through
the implementation of new elements within training. The data collected also served to find out whether ETC
policies and programmes matched the expectations and views of registrants. After a number of relevant
conclusions had been drawn, a number of suggestions were compiled to address the challenges faced by
registering female unemployed in the light of the conclusion drawn. There is no doubt that in the future ethnic
and gender stereotypes strengths should be valued and stereotypes and ideologies eliminated. In this respect, it
is hoped that this study instigates further and deeper research which will be converted to solutions for the
present drawbacks women employed are facing.
Janica Camilleri
2010
Sociology
CITIZENS OR CONSUMERS?
Youth Identity in Malta
This dissertation deals with the interplay between three main areas namely, youth identity, consumption and
ecological citizenship. It examines young people’s autonomy in their consumption and the considerations they
take when buying. This study also deals with young people’s decisions regarding transport, the actions they take
to protect the environment, green consumerism and how all this relates to their identity. For this research a
qualitative approach was used. The outcomes of this research show that there is tension but also
interconnectedness between youth identity, consumption and ecological citizenship and that young people’s
lifestyles and identity revolve around various interests.
Joseph Cassar
2010
Sociology
o Consumption
o Ecological Citizenship
o Environment
o Identity
o Youth
CITIZEN OR CONSUMER?
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Abstract
Advertisements and Their Effect on Youth Identity in Malta
The research agenda attempts to reveal whether individual agency is expressed in the interpretation of
advertising or rather as shown further on in the hypotheses section, whether agency itself is produced by the
very act of interpreting advertisements/ this brings us to the question: Citizen or Consumer? Are our actions as
social beings our own or are they the byproduct of advertisements? This question will be handled by looking at
the meaning behind the activity of consumption and by uncovering the reasons to which citizens as consumers
choose goods over others.
This dissertation will examine whether advertisements indeed effect young people and the way they look at
themselves in respect to the citizen versus consumer discourse. It also reveals how advertisements help to form a
youth identity further by inducing in youths the belief, that the ideas illustrated on the various types of media
are ultimately their own desires.
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The idea of advertising itself is merely a concept which is responsible for the creation of desires and which
induces in social beings’ mainly in youths as in the case of this dissertation, a need to consume.
Josianne Grima
2010
Sociology
o Advertisements
o Youth
o Agency
o Consumption
o Citizenship
MEN AND THEIR CARS:
Power, Identity and the Transformation of Cars in Contemporary Malta
Cars are described as “living room[s] on wheels” (March and Collett, 1986). As cars are considered to be an object
of individual consumption, auto mobility is imbued with meanings and an important source of power and
identity. For Hebdige (1989) modified cars emerge as “symbolic resistance” and the innovations and creativity
involved in car transformation and the subcultures that form around this passion entail aesthetic elements
which are “gesture[s] of defiance” (ibid.). The study investigates the onset of interest in car transformation, the
intensification of interest and involvement in car transformation subculture. The study also tackles issues of
societal reaction to car transformation and indicators of status within the subculture. The financial impact of
preference for modified cars and related consumption patterns are also discussed. This study entailed a
qualitative approach in an attempt to immerse in the personal experiences and the emotional currents related to
car transformation. Semi-structured interviews were held with seven male car transformation lovers. Findings
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indicate that onset of interest started at the younger stages of life and reflects different motivations. Most of the
respondents claimed to have a negative societal reaction to their involvement with modified cars, particularly in
so far as people outside car transformation subculture are concerned. Despite all this the study’s participants
anticipate the implementation of more modified projects in the future. Respondents regard car modification as
an endless project since it is an instrument to mediate thoughts (Bull, 2003), express creativity and as a crucial
part of individual and social identity.
Julianne Grima
2010
Sociology
o Transformed Cars
o Car Transformation Subculture
o Power
o Identity
o Consumption Patterns
o Societal Reaction
Title
HANDICAPPING THE INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN MALTESE MODERN SOCIETY
Abstract
The study focuses on whether Maltese modern society is limiting the roles that persons with disability have the
right to play being citizens. The major factors dealing with this issue were the attitude of the general public;
physical and social barriers; special schools; equality in education, gainful employment and forming a family;
and positive and negative discrimination.
The dissertation was based on the qualitative research method carried out by semi-structured interviews with
the participants. Attitudes, feelings and individual experiences were gathered with the help of the qualitative
method used. This was supported by literature and local research.
After analyzing the various views and experiences, the study concluded that Maltese modern society is still
limiting the full participation of persons with disability. The inclusion of persons with disability within
mainstream schools was found to be helpful for all the students. However, persons with disability are still being
handicapped in the employment sector and also when trying to form a family. These handicaps are caused by
negative attitudes and lack of awareness that the general public has regarding different disabilities. Therefore,
in order for Maltese modern society to be an inclusive one with regards to persons with disability, attitudes of
pity, dependence and paternalism need to be eliminated. Persons with disability should be given a chance to
show their potential and be empowered to stand up for their rights. We cannot speak of inclusion when there are
still social and physical barriers that handicap these persons. Recommendations were also given in order to
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make way for an inclusive society with regards to persons with disability.
Michelle Gauci
2010
Sociology
o Handicap
o Inclusion
o Persons with Disability
o Equality
o Discrimination
THE MALTESE HOUSE-FATHER:
A Growing Phenomenon?
The family in Maltese society was always in the centre of many studies conducted. It is seen as an important
institution in the transition of values from generation to the next. Studies however have always focused upon the
traditional family, with little attention given to the other form of families. One of them being the family were the
male is the house-father. The aim of this study is to see whether social and economic changes in Maltese society
are leading to an increase number of males who become the house-fathers. The other objective is to see whether
these house-fathers are capable to perform childcare and house care tasks. A qualitative interview with twentythree fathers was carried out. These fathers gave a clear account of their situation and outlined some of the main
aspects within the Maltese society that are impinging upon the evolvement of this type of family, were the father
becomes the main carer. At the end some suggestions on what are the factors that can help this family to evolve
more are given.
Redeemer Fenech
2010
Sociology
SPATIAL DYNAMICS AND CRITICAL AWARENES OF INEQUALITY:
The Case of ĦaŜ-śebbuā
This is a preliminary study of the spatial distribution of social inequalities in ĦaŜ-śebbuā, a town with an estimated
population of 12,200 situated in the middle of the central Mediterranean island of Malta, with special attention to its inhabitants’
own perception of the relationship between their place of residence and their ‘place’ in society as well, the relationship of
these perceptions to social mobility as well as their possible impact on change of residence.
The study identifies a clear relationship between the locality’s periphery and the more socially mobile
households. The age of the spouses or of the single persons forming these households falls in the 30 to 29 age
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bracket, closely followed by households in the 40 to 49 age bracket. At least one of the spouses or the single
person concerned will have moved out of the parental dwelling, generally in the town core, and to purchase property
(generally a plot over which they build a maisonette) in areas on the outskirts of ĦaŜ-śebbuā where development is permitted by
Malta Environmental and Planning Authority’s Local Plan.
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The potential for women to emancipate themselves from gender inequality is highest in the upwardly mobile ’30
to 39’ households where the female spouse is likely to have a higher level of education than the male spouse, is
almost always in gainful employment and tends to earn more than him. The female spouse in the ’40 to 49’
bracket, however, will be less likely to be in employment and will have a lower level of education than her
younger counterpart. Critical awareness of class inequality is likely to be more acute in the younger and more
upwardly mobile groups.
Tiziana Farrugia
2010
Sociology
2009
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Author
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ASPECTS OF SUBCULTURAL CAPITAL AMONGST DRUG USERS
Drug use is a meaningful and symbolic behaviour which develops into a distinctive and complex subculture with
its own rituals and hierarchies. This study aims at exploring the complexities of this subculture. Based on eight
individual, face-to-face and semi-structured interviews with drug users at the Caritas Rehabilitation Centre, this
study examines the type and extent of subcultural capital which exists amongst drug users. It is evident, from
the data gathered, that drug users do not only distinguish themselves from the rest of society but also from other
users in their subculture, mainly on the basis of their status within the subculture. Drug users in the subculture
who provide and help procure the drug of choice enjoy a strong status in the subculture’s hierarchy. However,
many drug users prefer just to use the drug, as selling and procurement is a risky and demanding role which
some do not want to take.
Ann Marie Vella
2009
Sociology
o Drug Use
o Subculture
o Subcultural Capital
o Drug Use Career
o Identity
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o Enculturation
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‘IN MEDIO STAT VIRTUS’
A Qualitative Exploration of Synergic Cosmopolitanism amongst University Students
This study uses a grounded qualitative methodology to examine the construction and practice of synergic forms
of cosmopolitanism, amongst three academic courses located within the University of Malta. By conducting
extensive in-depth interviews with students, lecturers and leading public intellectuals in Malta, this study
explores how cosmopolitanism embodies different forms between social groups, which experience divergent forms
of a synergic inter-play between local and cosmopolitan values and sensibilities within their value systems. This
study demonstrates that as contemporary social changes catalyse the development of cosmopolitanism within
society, group members oscillate between the demands of both local and cosmopolitan life-spheres; maintaining
membership to ‘identity promoting mechanisms’ which enable actors to mediate and balance attachments and
commitments to national or local systems of meaning, whilst also embodying and practicing genuine forms of
practical cosmopolitanism. On this basis, this study demonstrates how national and cosmopolitan sensibilities
are not inherently antagonistic, but that in contemporary society, both of these cultural articulations are
intricately intertwined and balanced, by key social possess latent functions that enable both fields to remain in
play.
Christian Kemp
2009
Sociology
o Cosmopolitanism
o Cosmopolitanisation
o Globalisation Small Islands
o Solidarity
o University Students
o Ulrich Beck
o Ulf Hannerz
THE FAMILY LIFE OF THE MALTESE WHO WORK IN EU INSTITUTIONS:
A Case Study of Transnational Kinship
This dissertation analyses the transnational lives and kinship relations of Maltese citizens currently working for
the European Union institutions based in Brussels and Luxembourg. Respondents attributed a lot of importance
to the contributions made by the formal infrastructures of the European Union as these help to facilitate their
transnational family lives. Moreover, technologies of communication, in particular the internet, are seen as vital
in maintaining these transnational relations; without them such relationships would not be sustained as
effectively as one may desire. Technologies of communication are perceived as means through which they can
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remain in contact with their kin even though living at a distance from them. Such a finding however does not
indicate that place does not matter. Place matters still as physical presence is still attributed a lot of importance.
This is clearly portrayed in the frequency of visits made by some of my informants. Thus, even though these
technologies of remote communication successfully sustain relationships, they can never fully replace physical
presence.
Christine Borg
2009
Sociology
o EU Workers
o Kinship
o Transnationalism
o Technologies of Communication
THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE MALTESE
SOCIETY
A Sociological Perspective
This study seeks to verify from a sociological point of view the ecological effects on the Maltese surroundings of
replacing the returnable glass bottle procedure with a system of disposable plastic bottles, giving particular
attention to Ulrich Beck’s general thesis that we are moving towards a ‘risk society’ and Michael Cahill’s notion
of ‘consumer society’ and the relationship that there exists between consumers and citizens. Through the data
analysis, it was possible to examine whether these concepts can be applied to the Maltese Islands due to the
introduction of this system of disposable plastic bottles which is a result of processes of industrialisation and
modernisation. A comparison between the Maltese and European context will be explored to see whether the
attitudes and values of the European and Maltese citizens towards the environment are the same of differ in
certain situations.
Diana Aquilina
2009
Sociology
o Environment
o System of Disposable Plastic Bottles
o Risk Society
o Consumer Society
HOW WORKING PARENTS OR CARERS ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
This quantitative study explored how parents/carers residing in Zurrieq try to achieve a work-life balance, the
difficulties they encounter while trying to accomplish this balance and factors which effect and hinder this
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balance. A survey was conducted with 150 working parents. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the
Social Science (SPSS). This study addressed changes in legislation, changes in workplace practices and the
increase in childcare facilities. The main results of this study show that parents try to achieve a work-life
balance with the help of relatives and less help from the state. Although men are giving a helping hand in
housework and childcare, women still carry the major responsibility of unpaid work especially those who work
part-time and/or self-employed. The most important recommendations derived from this study are that
parents/carers wish that childcare centres are subsidized, that after school services start to operate to entice men
to participate more in family life and that parental leave and career break become partially/fully paid.
Frances J. Spiteri
2009
Sociology
o Gender and Ideology
o Housework
o Paid Work
o Work-life Balance
o Part-time Work
o Teleworking
o Childcare
o After School Services
ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE OF DIVERSITY AMONST UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
The objective of this dissertation is to analyze the willingness of acceptance and tolerance in relation to
foreigners specifically Europeans, Americans, Australians, Asians and Africans. This was achieved by
researching University students through random quota sampling and applying their approach by faculty and
gender. Several issues were considered in order to get a better picture of the students’ attitudes and perceptions
and towards which foreigners are likely to be accepted most. The questionnaire helped to further understand
their experience towards everyday factors that may lead to racism and make them more aware of what may have
been the main triggering factors to their developing attitudes. Questions from Bogardus Scale, European Values
Survey and Malta Values Survey were modified so as to help verify whether University students are racists and
if yes to what extent are they racist. The study explored and described factors about nationalism, race and
racism, xenophobia and discrimination. An identification of studies of these issues conducted in Malta was
included so as to give a holistic understanding of how diversity is established. Throughout the research, there
seemed to be a tendency to accept certain issues over others and a dominance to accept certain nationalities over
the others. in general females were more likely to tolerate foreigners than males. The tendency in faculties was
to accept Europeans, Americans and Australians rather than Africans and Asians.
Graziella Micallef
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MAF
MEL
PJT
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2009
Sociology
Title
CHANGES IN VALUES RELATED TO SEXUALITY AMONG MALTESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Abstract
The aim of this dissertation was to identify Maltese University students’ attitudes towards sexuality. This will
help to verify recent sociological studies that show that there has been a significant change in the Maltese
mentality, a society that is moving towards individualism.
This study analyses the Maltese University students’ sexual behaviour in relation to the change in values caused
by various aspects of modern reality, such as the increase in secularization, the increase in sexually transmitted
diseases, influence of the mass media including the television and the internet and the increase in sex education.
This was achieved by researching University student’s values with a personally administered questionnaire,
analyzed according to their faculty and gender.
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Throughout the research, some respondents seemed to be in continuous conflict with their own values. In fact, a
struggle seems to be taking place in students’ minds in accepting the traditional religious perspectives, which for
the majority of the respondents are Roman Catholic. Traditional values, which heavily contrast modern
perspectives that emphasis the reduction of sexual risks, unwanted pregnancies, and freedom of choice. As a
result, although most of the Maltese University students are Roman Catholic, there is a contrast between the
ideal and the actual practice. Respondents are likely to prefer modern secular lifestyles than restrictive
teachings of the Church; this behaviour is exposed in respondents increase in sexual activities.
Jessica Camilleri
2009
Sociology
IN WHO’S BEST INTEREST?
Community, Conflict and Politics in Malta
“The Case of the Fort Cambridge Development Project”
This dissertation deals with the relationship between the political affiliation of the residents of Qui-Si-Sana in
Sliema, Malta and the Nationalist Party in Malta, with relation to the Fort Cambridge Development Project in
Malta.
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Qui-Si-Sana is a traditionally Nationalist leaning neighbourhood, and this study shows how the residents there
objected to massive development projects in their neighbourhood which were supported by their party. It will
show how they became effective “prisoners” of their political affiliation and that social, cultural and historical
factors contribute to an inflexible unwillingness to entertain discourse of other political parties who may better
support their interests. A strong sense of locality – which affects both residents’ interests and others’ perceptions
of their interests also contributes to this. The Nationalist Party, though benefitting from the residents’ support,
is affected by its own social, cultural, and historical background which contributes to an inflexibility when
considering its supporters’ interests in deference to party interests.
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Author
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This dissertation uses a historical based research methodology based on documentary research, documentation
of residents’ experiences, and fieldwork. It uses an analytically based Conflict Theory approach focusing on the
negative and positive functions of conflict in society coupled with Elite Theory to illustrate that the construction
of political institutions are contributing factors to negative and positive conflict in society referring to the
residents, the Nationalist party, and the development project.
Jon Vercellono
2009
Sociology
ALCOHOL ABUSE AND DEVIANCE
An Explanatory Case Study of Maltese Alcohol Community and Residential Services Users
This research attempts to study the motivational patterns and consequences of alcohol consumption and its
effects leading to deviant behaviour. Adopting a quantitative approach, data for this research was collected by
means of questionnaires. Consequently, questionnaires were administered within Sedqa premises in Floriana
and at “Dar Zerniq” in Luqa. Alcohol rehabilitation programmes are carried out within same premises. Results of
the data analysed reveal that the respondents are aware of the effects brought by excessive alcohol consumption
and how this substance leads to deviant behaviour. The minority of alcoholics conform within society. Moreover,
the majority of this studied are innovative and behave according to ritualism. This study may be useful in
making one more cautious about alcohol consumption and its effects on one’s body and behaviour. An expansive
study is needed for social actors, especially relatively young adults, to become aware of the risks and the harmful
effects that excessive use of alcohol brings about.
Kevin Pulis
2009
Sociology
o Alcohol Consumption
o Alcohol Abuse
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o Deviance
o Rehabilitation
MEL
Title
Abstract
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERCEPTION AMONGST POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS
Literature shows that domestic violence is a delicate issue on the struggle between power and control. Studies
from Western Countries have only recently started, shedding light on the consequences that it has left on the
victims.
The aim of this dissertation is to explore the effects of domestic violence on youths coming from violent homes on
their relationships with others. this study also examines the main causes that lead to violence and abuses that
post-secondary students may encounter or be subjected to.
Throughout this dissertation one of the main issues is whether men and women experience domestic violence in
the same way. Similarities and differences can be found, for instance, females frequently report psychological
violence with the most influential factors being: possessiveness and jealousy. Irrelevant of a person’s sex
domestic violence is experienced by many people. Not at fault for the violence, a victim may feel bewildered,
confused and even ashamed to tell someone about it with the frustration of not being believed.
Important differences are being neglected on the assumption that domestic abuse experienced by woman victims
can be applied in the same way to male victim. Both men and women have the same right i.e. the right to be safe
in their own home, thus all statutory services have a duty to both sexes and not be gender specific.
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Support and programs play a key role towards bringing about the desired change, when reaching out to youths
from a very young age namely when they are still at school. Programmes that invite young people aim to help
them while they are still young with the intention that healthy and non-violent relationships are built in the
future. However several cultural norms and beliefs must be tackled first in order to intervene with the severe
cycle of violence.
Maria Mifsud
2009
Sociology
o Domestic Violence
o Post-Secondary Schools
o Maltese Young Adults
SECULARISATION AMONG MALTESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
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Abstract
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The main aim of this dissertation was to gain an understanding of the religiosity of University students
according to their Faculty, gender, secondary education background as well as their year of studies. This
research was carried out by means of qualitative techniques among first and final year students from three
Faculties – Medicine, Law and Engineering. The results suggested that there was an increase in secularisation
from the first-year student group to the final-year student group suggesting that the university environment
may play a role in accelerating secularisation. Results obtained from the students in the three Faculties involved
in the research suggest that the level of secularisation of medical and law students is similar. The engineering
students were found to have a higher level of secularisation. The study also concluded that there is a large
degree of secularisation in University students with a State Secondary School education background than those
with a Church Secondary School education background. This suggests that a Church Secondary School education
may play a significant role in protecting against secularisation with the opposite happening as a result of a State
Secondary School education. It was difficult to assess the levels of secularisation according to gender. However,
the study suggests that when compared to their male counterparts, females tend to be more in favour of divorce
and tolerant of abortion but pray more regularly and are closer to the Sacraments.
Maria Saliba Thorne
2009
Sociology
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY WELFARE:
The Role of The Good Shepherd Centre in Taë-êawla, Gozo
This dissertation uses the Good Shepherd community centre in Taë-êawla Gozo to find out how effective
voluntary participation in a religious organisation can be in bringing about community cohesion. This was
achieved using qualitative, case study method whereby data was collected through means of secondary sources
and in-depth interviews with community members and volunteers working in this community and state agencies
such as representative of FES, local council and social worker and head teachers and guidance teachers.
The main conclusion that came out of these interviews was that in the past, this Community Centre had
contributed positively in the promotion and integration of marginalised groups within the community. However
it seems that past achievements attained by the Good Shepherd Centre, have decreased for several reasons,
resulting in the further alienation of already socially excluded social groups.
Natalie Haber
2009
Sociology
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MAF
Title
Abstract
URBAN REINTEGRATION FOR WHOM?
A sociological comparison between the Birgu Waterfront and the Isla Waterfront
All towns and cities display a particular blend of problems and potentials. Urban regeneration is a widely
experience made in local developments and areas however it is a little understood phenomenon. It is a process
attributed few years ago which analyzes the changes made in an area. The main task of urban regeneration is to
seek the resolution of urban problems and to bring about change in a condition of an area that has been subject
to change.
Using qualitative methods in order to analyze this study, urban regeneration is a process in which apart from
looking at the physical impact it can bring to an area, it also focuses on the social impact it can bring. Such social
impacts may include employment, economic success, environmental conditions and so forth. The case study
attributed in this thesis discusses the social impacts urban regeneration have made to the area and to the local
communities.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Urban Regeneration can bring constant challenge and is seen as an important element of regional and national
success.
Roberta Cassar
2009
Sociology
THE PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS LANGUAGE TOURISM:
A Case Study of St. Julian’s
This research studies the perceptions and attitudes of show owners and residents living or working in St.
Julian’s, towards language tourism, a fast growing sector in Malta. Studying the perceptions and attitudes of
residents is vital for tourism as the industry is highly dependent on the hospitality and support of host
populations. Regular analysis of the community’s attitudes towards tourism is also necessary to ensure the
sustainability of tourism development. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study as qualitative
research methods allow researchers to get a better understanding of the reasons and meanings behind residents’
perceptions and attitudes. A total of 15 informants were interviewed through either telephone or face to face
semi – structured interviews. Form this research it can be concluded that despite the negative impacts that are
normally associated with language tourism, mostly vandalism and high alcohol consumption, the majority of the
respondents were generally supportive of language tourism and its further development. In fact most of the
interviewees expressed a high degree of positivity towards language tourism.
Ruth Attard
2009
16
Sociology Dissertations
JAM
Subject
Keywords
Sociology
Title
Abstract
EUROPEANISATION AND THE IDEOLOGY OF PENSION REFORMS IN MALTA
This dissertation is about the European Social model and it investigates whether the European Union led to the
reform on the pension system within its member states, with particular emphasis to Malta since, as from 1st of
May 2004, the then Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami, officially signed for the Maltese accession
in the European Union. EU policies in this regard were implemented in order to guarantee the sustainability of
the social security and thus not having the erosion of the European Social Model that distinguishes it from the
USA. Through its welfare regimes Europe provides social security to its citizens to ensure an adequate income
especially in their later period of life; for example, after the retirement from paid employment
(socialpolicy.ucc.ie).
Sharon Micallef
2009
Sociology
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
FEMALE POLITICIANS IN THE MALTESE PARLIAMENT
It is usually accepted that a fair representation of females in Parliament is required not just in Malta, but also in
many other countries worldwide, in order to more accurately reflect the composition of society and to guarantee
that women’s diverse interests are taken into account. However in spite of this, the paucity of female
representation in the Maltese Parliament is still striking.
The purpose of this study is to ascertain why the participation of female politicians in the Maltese Parliament is
much less than their male counterparts. In fact, this study, probed into the obstacles that hinder women from
being part of the most major institution above all, the political system.
The literature review is divided into 2 parts. The first part consists of the major sociological approaches and their
dominant theories which put forward what brings about gender differences which then result in differences in
society. The second part consists of a historical account of the major women struggles worldwide which led to a
change in the role of women today.
Qualitative research methodology was utilised in this study. The qualitative research data consisted of six, indepth interviews carried out with different MPs from both Political Parties: the Nationalist Party in government
and the Malta Labour Party in opposition. In addition, questionnaires were sent by e-mail to Participants who
could not meet for a face-to-face interview.
17
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Finally, the last part of this study includes an examination of the interviews with both the viewpoints of male
and female politicians. This analysis revealed different factors which are leading to an immense absence of
female representation in the Maltese Parliament.
Stephanie Ellul
2009
Sociology
o Women
o Participation
o Representation
o Parliament
o Gender Balance
o Decision-Making
o Democracy
o Elections
o Candidates
o Support
o Barriers/Obstacles
o Quotas
o Political Parties
o Politics
EXPERIENCING THE ‘VIBE’:
Clubculture in Contemporary Malta
This dissertation is about the clubculture in Contemporary Malta. It focuses on the experience of ‘clubbing’ or
rather the ‘aesthetic experience’ which takes place on a physically, emotional and cognitive level. The ‘vibe’
which is ultimately a social phenomenon that binds people together, is a central part of this experience. It is the
stimulation that determines the existence, non existence or maintenance of such a culture. Such a ‘vibe’ is
created through the stimulation of music, lights, the DJ and drugs and is embodied by the individual and the
collective, who together celebrate pleasure and sensuality through dance. By bringing to life the experiences I
encountered in my participant observations and some of the clubbers themselves, I aim to uncover what makes
this culture so seductive.
Vanessa C. Demanuele
2009
Sociology
o Post Subcultures
18
Sociology Dissertations
o
o
o
o
MEL
Title
Abstract
Aesthetic Experience
‘Vibe’
Dance Music
Clubbing
GAMBLING IN MALTA
A Sociological Perspective
This dissertation deals with the gambling situation in Malta; ranging from the positive aspects of gambling
represented by the i-gaming companies’ contribution towards creating jobs and generating great monetary value;
and most importantly this dissertation deals with the negative aspect of gambling which is represented by the
excessive gambler.
This study will hopefully stir action to be taken against excessive gambling by encouraging the authorities to
help rehabilitate the gambler in the first place, and then regulate policies if the need arise. Besides, this study
aims to show that gambling is not all wrong, but because i-gaming companies are contributing towards a better
state economy.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The research methodology used in this dissertation is a qualitative one; composed of a combination of participant
observation and semi-structured interviews. This dissertation takes a sociological twist when the facts gathered
during fieldwork will be analyzed with sociological facts and theories gathered through literature.
William Sciberras
2009
Sociology
2008
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
PLAYING SAFE?
Artificial Contraceptives in a Catholic Society: Perceptions of Maltese University Students
The dissertation analyses artificial contraceptive uses and sexual attitudes in relation to Catholicism. This was
achieved by researching University student’s values and comparing them by faculty and gender. Various issues
were taken into consideration in order to get a better picture of the student’s mentality in relation to their
religious values and attitudes towards sexuality and artificial contraceptive uses. Throughout the research, there
seemed to be a continuous value conflict, both amongst different respondents and within the same respondent. In
fact a struggle seems to be taking place in student’s minds in accepting the traditional Catholic values, which for
the majority of respondents still held, and new approaches and viewpoints emphasising the reduction of STI and
19
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
unwanted pregnancies, as well as freedom of choice. Moreover this conflict was not only seen on the individual
level but also on the institutional level, where we find a clash of viewpoints being transmitted from different and
even the same institution, some emphasising conservative values, while others liberal values.
Charlene Said
2008
Sociology
THE IMPACT OF RESIDENCE ON ATTITUDES.
A Study of Attitudes of Gozitans Residing in Malta
The Island Gozo 65metres squared, 28, 000 inhabitants, is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago;
Malta 125metres squared and 340,000 inhabitants has always been regarded as the second home for the
Gozitans. However, in this dissertation I will go in depth and study the attitudes of the Gozitans who have
transferred themselves and thus live permanently in Malta. The primary aim of this dissertation is to study
whether the Gozitans, having crossed over to Malta have changed their attitudes. In order to do so, two samples,
one from Gozo and another from the Gozitans residing in Malta will be taken and correlated. Using semistructured telephone interviews administered to 50 Gozitan respondents residing in Malta and semi-structured
hand delivered questionnaires to 50 Gozitans residing in Gozo will help me to investigate the hypothesis that the
Gozitans residing in Malta have changed their attitudes to be congruent with the Maltese.
Jason Mintoff
2008
Sociology
THE EFFECTS OF SEPARATION ON SPOUSES
This dissertation focuses on some of the problems spouses encounter after separation. For the purpose of this
research twenty service providers (lawyers, family therapists, counsellors, social workers, a mediator and a
psychiatrist) were chosen by purposive sampling and ten separated spouses were chosen by snowball sampling.
The twenty service providers helped me acquire insight into the main problems separated spouses go through in
Malta and Gozo while the ten separated spouses recounted their own particular experiences.
The main problems that the separated spouses in this sample faced regarded child custody, property,
maintenance and finance. Apart from these, the separated spouses also encountered problems regarding their
possessions and status. Feelings also played an important part. Several suffered emotionally through and after
separation. However, for other separation was a relief – the termination of some of the problems they had to face
during marriage.
20
Sociology Dissertations
JAM
MEL
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Lara Mompalao
2008
Sociology
Title
EXPRESSING THE SELF
A Study on Youth’s Consumption of Fashion
This research is a sociological enquiry into the relationship that exists between fashion and consumption among
young people in Malta. It mainly examines young people’s experiences of being fashionable and how this is
manifested through their consumption patterns. Furthermore, the study goes onto the role that external sources
of influence, namely the media and peers, play in young people’s identified consumption patterns. In this
research one also sees how young people relate with their parents on the basis of various issues in the spheres of
fashion and consumption. The matter of having branded products is another important concern in this
dissertation. This is another issue which shows the close relationship that exists between fashion and
consumption. Moreover, the research explores the link that exists between consumption of fashion and the
expression of young people’s self-identity which in the period of youth, which is a period of reshaping values, is
being constructed. The study also investigates whether one’s consumption of fashionable dress style leads to the
consumption of particular leisure activities and music, which are also constitutive of the sphere of fashion. These
objectives are examined in the light of the research hypothesis which states that young people perceive their
modes of onsumption to be influenced by fashion trends through which they construct their identities. This is
reflected in the particular dress codes, musical tastes and lifestyles of a group of young people who frequent the
‘White Arrow’ bar in Malta. The findings of this study show that when it comes to clothing, basically all
respondents follow fashion trends. cHowever, when it comes to music tastes, fashion trends are not rigidly
followed by young people, but their preferred music is still related to their identity. From the findings one can
thus conclude that the expression of one’s self-identity is not always related to fashion.
Marilyn Grima
2008
Sociology
o Fashion
o Consumption
o Youth
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
MISBEHAVIOUR IN GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN GOZO:
Genesis and Management
The purpose of this study was to find the most ‘popular’ misconduct among female teenagers in Gozo and what is
being done to diminish it. This theme was selected because of its fundamental importance to any form of
21
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
schooling. The first chapter is an introduction to this dissertation while the second chapter provides an
examination of literature related to reasons why students misbehave, how teachers deal with misbehaviour and
types of misbehaviour. In this study, questionnaires, observations and interviews were used for the gathering of
data. The questionnaires were distributed to Form 1 and Form 5 teachers. Following this, the researcher spent
around thirty-five hours observation in Form 1 and Form 5 classes. Finally, the researcher interviewed the
disciplinary board in school A and the Form Teacher of Form 1 and Form 5 in school B. Thus, the researcher did
a triangulation study for the sake of accuracy. The findings of this study show that chatting with peers is the
most frequent type of misbehaviour and the most irritating for teachers. In cases of misbehaviour, teachers
indicated that they refer giving rules or reason it out with students than to punish them. Moreover, this study
shows that visits by social workers and child psychologists should be frequent to help students with problems of
misbehaviour.
Maureen Cassar
2008
Sociology
2007
MEL
Title
Abstract
A SOCIOLOGIVAL STUDY OF THE PERCEPTION OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN MALTA, WITH SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO DEPRESSION
Mental health and illness has always been considered as a taboo topic. People rarely speak about it because
there seems to be a lot of stigma and fear attached to it. The purpose of this dissertation is to discover people’s
real perceptions of mental illnesses in general and specifically depression. It tries to discover whether the
rumours, that the Maltese society has a negative perception of mental illness, are true or if they are an unreal
generalisation.
The literature review discusses a variety of themes in connection with the issue at hand, mainly considering
mental health and illness as a social issue. The information gathered from the one hundred and fifty telephone
questionnaires and the interviews with formerly depressed persons and professionals in this field is done on the
basis of the theories discussed in the literature review.
The study is divided in two parts. The first part consists of semi-structured interviews with professionals in the
field and formerly depressed persons. The second part consists of telephone questionnaires that investigate
people’s perception of mental illness and their attitudes towards those mentally ill persons.
The major limitation of this dissertation is that since the issue at hand is regarded as a taboo, people might
22
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
refrain from speaking openly about the subject. its major aim on the other hand is to paint a clear picture about
what people really feel about mental health and illness, as till today we are mainly stuck with speculations.
Ann Julene Spiteri
2007
Sociology
THE LOCAL AND GLOBAL INTERFACE OF TATTOOING IN MALTA
A Qualitative Study
The main task of this dissertation is to capture the dynamics of the local tattoo industry, by mainly locating the
involvement of tattoo artists in the global tattoo network and secondary by locating the tattooed body within the
local context. As envisaged by Featherstone (2005) today you have a category of people who are design specialists
or cultural entrepreneurs. Being part of a ‘third culture’, these design specialists attend to the cultural flows
from one border to another. Tattoo artists as cultural entrepreneurs do claim that they have the necessary
knowledge and skills, which most probably lay people do not have, to represent and pack the exotica to wider
audiences. As a matter of fact, by the 1980s and 90s, in the tattoo industry there has been an unprecedented rise
in the demand for tribal tattooing. People started getting tribal tattoos on their bodies. This necessitates a
critical sociological reading. In my thesis, the request for tribal tattooing merges to a strong need posed by
individuals to search for meaning in a widest sense. While tribal tattooing started by the earliest encounters by
European seamen in places like Samoa and Polynesia, today one can simply go to a local tattoo studio and get
this ethnic tattoo done on his or her body. So the question that rises in mu research is that which have to do with
the authenticity of tattoos. As with any other type of cultural symbols, tattoos are meaningful symbols since they
are embodied. They are inalienably done on bodies which are organized and experienced within a local. The
tattooed body in my dissertation has nothing to do with any consumerist appropriation. But, people are getting
tattooed in attempt to construct a self-identity. The personal nature of tattoos on bodies in this research is seized
by focusing on the personal narratives disclosed by my informants. Authenticity is no longer a question of place
but it is manifested in people’s involvement in this type of body project. An authentic tattoo design is captured by
the sense of identity it bestows on the individual. The body therefore is a significant social field or what Csordas
(1994b) hold to be the ground for self and culture. The flow of tattoo insignia made possible by magazines
(mediascape) and contemporary exchanges in International Tattoo Conventions (ethnoscape) are domesticated
on the local body that is ultimately contextualized.
Clint Paul Vella
2007
Sociology
23
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Title
Abstract
WOMEN AND VEHICLES
A Sociological Analysis
In the last few years there has been much discourse on gender and gender equality. In Malta, much has been
done to mainstream gender issues into policies and laws. Acts have been implemented so that we become in line
with our European counterparts, however certain issues which discriminate against certain individuals are still
not regulated by law. It is a fact that certain discriminatory behaviour is brought about by traditional gender
stereotypes, which are ingrained in our culture and mentality. These discriminatory attitudes and stereotypical
approaches have deep social implications, and this study tries to link these in relation to transport issues women
face in their daily commuting patterns.
Thirty professional women participated in a semi-structured interview, fifteen of which had caring
responsibilities and the rest had no caring responsibilities. Quota sampling was used to gather the sample. A
director of an insurance company was interviewed to find out about transport general trends in Malta.
Secondary data gathered from local statistical organisations were analysed and discussed.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
MEL
Title
Abstract
It was found that although the trend is changing, women still suffer from discriminatory attitudes n the road. In
addition, they are still the ones that mostly use the private vehicle for personal and domestic responsibilities
apart from work. Although the women interviewed were all professionals, still the way of thinking is that
Maltese mentality and culture keeps the woman driver from pursuing her interests. She has been described as
“ignorant”, “gullible”, and “less adventurous”. These words were how women drivers described themselves.
Deborah Briffa
2007
Sociology
CHANGING SOCIAL IDENTITY
The Introduction of Local Governance
When in 1993 the Central Government of Malta decided to set up the local councils, it had to devolve some of its
powers and responsibilities to the local councils. Due to this devolution of power, the local councils started to be
considered as the representative of the local people with the Central Government. In fact, the local councils are
considered by a lot of people as Local Governments. Thus, while the Central Government has the power to
govern Malta as a whole, the local councils have the power to govern their particular locality.
In a context of social change, local identity is of crucial importance. Thus, the local councils are more able to
emphasise local identity since they are working from the core of the locality. Since, social change is a continuous
process; people throughout the world might find social change as a threat to their local identity. In fact, due to
24
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
PJT
Title
Abstract
social change people are now more than ever trying to emphasise their membership in a particular community
and reaffirm their boundaries. In spite of social change, local identity is still of crucial importance and it will
continue to play an important part in people’s lives. In fact, nowadays there are certain local councils which are
trying as much as possible to enhance local identity in spite of all the social changes.
Delia Inguanez
2007
Sociology
A STUDY OF EX-DRUG USERS’S SOCIAL IDENTITY RECONSTRUCTION
Drug use is a contemporary and expanding social problem. The vast majority of the Maltese population is
familiar with several illicit drugs at least by name. This is a result of the vast coverage that the media gives to
drug use. Also, the Maltese population does not put licit drugs, namely, alcohol and tobacco at the same level of
illicit drugs. Illicit drugs are perceived of much more negatively. Moreover, drug users are often accredited
various crimes, particularly petty theft. However, interestingly, drug addicts are more often perceived of as
patients rather than as criminals (Malta Drug Situation 2004).
This study seeks to give a detailed image of the social identity reconstruction of ex-drug users. This research
attempts to understand the life experiences of twenty two ex-drug users who are now seeking to integrate
themselves in society. This research presents a picture of different aspects of life in society, which include family
life, social relations, participation in the labour force, involvement in criminality and analyse how all these
factors contribute to the individual’s social identity and to their integration in society. (National Commission on
the Abuse of Drugs, Alcohol and Other Dependencies 2004).
Elaine Galea
2007
Sociology
o Deviance
o Drug Use
o Labelling
o Social Identity
HIGHWAY TO HELL OR STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN?
Heavy Metal: A Sociological Analysis of the Relationship Between the Maltese Heavy Metal Community to
Different Religious Ideologies & Attitudes
This study analyses the dynamic of the Maltese heavy metal subculture and examines the values held by the
individuals who constitute this subculture. It investigates the identity formation of individuals within the heavy
25
Sociology Dissertations
metal subculture and provides a critique of postmodern notions of subcultural formation. The religious and
ideological aspect of the subculture is revealed, and the shift from a more traditional, symbol-based identity to a
modern ideology-based heavy metal identity is noted in certain sub-genres.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
It is argued that the heavy metal identity is essentially an anti-christian identity that stems from a belied in a
cultural alternative to what is perceived to be the dominant hegemony within society. Therefore, the heavy metal
movement may be seen as having the potential to lead to a form of new religious movement that propagates its
beliefs with which it combats this cultural dominance.
Glen Gauci
2007
Sociology
LEISURE AND WORK. DIFFERENT OR LINKED?
A Qualitative-Quantitative Leisure Analysis on B.A. Students
As the title suggests the objective of this study is to find out if there is a relationship between work and leisure.
This project focuses on how students from the Faculty of Arts define leisure, how they utilise their leisure time,
and with what objective. A theoretical background on leisure was provided. Another chapter analysed the
different leisure activities pursued in the Maltese context.
To achieve this, qualitative and quantitative methodology was used. The main methods employed in this
research were the diary-surveys and in-depth interviews. The diary-surveys were used to gather some statistical
data with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and then the interviews were used to
study the reasons behind the pursuit of certain leisure activities. Two methods were used to grasp a better
picture of the leisure activities of B.A students.
Joanne Agius
2007
Sociology
THE INTERDICT OF THE SIXTIES
A Sociological Perspective
The politico-religious conflict which took place during the sixties in the Maltese Islands between Mintoff and the
Bishop of Malta (Bishop M. Gonzi), and his successor the Bishop of Gozo (Mgr. Pace), has haf repercussions that
can be still felt today, such as secularisation and also stigma. Although, back in the late sixties, or rather in
1969, the interdiction was lifted, one can still feel a sense of antagonism between the two parts, in particular by
26
Sociology Dissertations
the Malta Labour party militants who were either interdicted or excommunicated from the religious community.
In view of the fact that there are many issues that, until this day, have not yet been settled, many people are
reluctant to openly discuss what had actually brought about the many disagreements between the Bishops and
Mintoff. Furthermore, although this issue has been looked into a number of times, namely by politicians on
television programmes, etc., it has rarely been looked into from a sociological point of view.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
JAM
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
The literature in chapter two looks into several sociological themes and theories that are relevant to this political
conflict that had erupted between the socialists and the clergy. The information gathered namely from
newspaper articles, books, amongst others, and that gathered from interviews carried out with Malta Labour
party executives and militants as well as the clergy, will be applied to the literature in chapter two as a means
through which the politico-religious dispute can be examined from a sociological perspective.
Mariella Spiteri
2007
Sociology
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Aspirations of Female Secondary Students in Gozo
In this dissertation I shall analyse whether Gozitan girls who attend Area Secondary Schools are interested in
continuing with their education or not after finishing Secondary schooling. Do they want to find a job or do they
want to continue studying? Or do they want to stay at home without participating in the labour market? In this
regard qualitative methodology shall be used and I intend to pick several students from a Gozitan AreaSecondary school and carry out in-depth interviews with them since I want to find out the reasons of their choice.
A qualitative research method was chosen because it demonstrates the variety of perspectives of the students
and the related social meanings.
The hypothesis of this dissertation is that Gozitan female students in secondary schools prefer to go to work
rather than to continue studying. Through this research I will be able to verify if this statement is true or not.
Marilyn Attard
2007
Sociology
MIGRATORY NETWORKS AND FLOWS
A Case Study of Legal Male Nigerian Migrants in Malta
27
Sociology Dissertations
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
This study analyses the holistic migration process from the perspective of migrants, exploring various dynamic
and intricate aspects of international movement. The results are based on a case study conducted among legal
male Nigerian migrants in Malta. Using snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted to
explore the entirety of the migrant’s experience. Through a qualitative approach therefore, the study examines
the initiation of migration, its perpetuation and the process of migrant incorporation in a host country. It
provides a thorough examination of fundamental concepts such as network connections, chain migration,
migratory flows, transnational spaces, transnationalism, transnational-activities, integration and Diaspora.
These issues are scrutinized in the framework of global international movement, where migration does not
always follow a rigid bipolar model where individuals migrate solely from one native country to one host country.
Therefore, the study highlighted the fact that apart from being a global phenomenon, international migration is
also a complex and multi-faceted issue.
The study found Nigerians in Malta to have global network connections that act as a pebbling force inducing
prospective Nigerian migrants to migrate. Global kinship and friendship ties therefore facilitate and encourage
subsequent Nigerian migration to Malta. Apart from network connections, career success and incomemaximization were found to be the major motives leading to migration. Moreover, the study found that the
majority if the Nigerian migrants in Malta engage themselves in a transnational-activity mainly through the
remitting of money back home this was not the case for those who come from wealthy family. in spite of this it
was found that they still remit objects back home, the purpose being to solidify transnational kinship relations
rather than economic in nature.
Marita Borg
2007
Sociology
WIVES WORKING INFORMALLY IN HUSBANDS’ BUSINESS
WHO GAINS?
There seems to be the idea that working for one’s spouse is not really work, but natural thing, to help one’s
family. However, due to the increase in separations women should be warned of the long term ramifications of
working informally for their husbands.
This study will enquire into how a small number of female participants view their contribution to the family
business. The main objective is to observe how they analyse their in put into the family business, what benefits
they get out of their contribution and also how aware are they of the long-term ramifications of working in the
twilight economy.
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Sociology Dissertations
This study adopts a qualitative approach with the use of semi-structured interviews conducted with ten wives
who work informally in their husband’s businesses. Other interviews were also held with Ms. Anna Borg, the
Senior Executive of the Gender Equality Unit of Employment and Training Corporations and Sir Mark Musu.
The latter is a former employee of the Department of Social Security, however now he is the Director EU and
International Affairs in the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity. Also an informal interview was held
with Dr. Charmaine Grech, B.A. LL.D Research Officer.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
Title
During the analysis of the data, issues like husbands’ wanting their wives to work with them. Lack of wives’
education, which eventually leads to participation to secondary labour market; the fact that such work provided
them with flexibility to continue their caring responsibilities which according to ideologies like the Catholic
Church are essential. The fact that policies do not encourage payment to family members and lack of public
awareness, regarding the disadvantages of working in the informal economy arose. Also such issues lead to the
contribution to women’s participation in the informal economy, which might eventually lead to a greater chance
of poverty.
Maureen Spiteri
2007
Sociology
US AND THEM
An Analysis of Forces Influencing Illicit Chemical Use
Up to this day since years ago, various theorists have formulated their ideas and insights and stressed them in
books to reveal their verdict on what ultimately causes the human animal to act in the way he does in different
contexts and different circumstances. In this qualitative research these are narrowed down to the drug using
behaviour of an individual, his actions in relation to his use of drugs and what the forces which create the
tension for such behaviour to take place are. The study will consequently look into a number of theories by
diverse scholars and hence confront them with the gathered data in this research and thereby compare and
contrast the particular field. The main methods employed in this research were face-to-face interviews. The 7
individuals chosen for this study meet three basic criteria. All individuals are males between the ages of 19 and
33 and could be basically defined as habitual users of illicit drugs.
Pierre Taliana
2007
Sociology
EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IS RELATED TO ONE’S SOCIAL CLASS
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Sociology Dissertations
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Through education one can climb up the ladder of status. Anyone can take part in this system. but on the other
hand, does everyone have the same chance of succeeding? For some reason or another not everyone is able to
take in what the educational system has to offer. This study is a sociological inquiry where the researcher
attempts to uncover a correlation between the concept of social class and educational achievement. Highlighting
the reasons why some groups of people are educationally successful while others are not.
The analysis indicates that the majority of students that come from a lower class are in fact less likely to achieve
academically. It might seem like a sweeping statement, however, on the same lines, students from middle/upper
classes have fewer obstacles to overcome which in turn enables them to do well at school.
Rachelle Mifsud
2007
Sociology
2006
MEL
Title
Abstract
SEGREGATION OF THE FEMALE ELDERLY POPULATION IN GOZO
Myth or Reality?
In this dissertation, the main issues will be focussing on the female elderly population in Gozo. The choice of this
subject came to mind from the assumption that today’s ever fast changing world has less time for its elderly.
Especially females that still tend to be more disadvantaged than males for many reasons still in the 21st century.
Also due to the fact that statistics show that females today are living longer than males. The data for this
dissertation as obtained through interviews.
It is argued that elderly females in Gozo have very little choice of places to meet or activities organised for them.
For this reason in the Interviews the elderly were asked in which activities they take part within their village.
Also, they were asked how and with whom they had closest relations with and also if they felt that they would be
better off in a Home for the elderly. These were asked in order to determine if they felt segregated or not enough
to leave their own home to enter an Institutional Home for the elderly.
Author
Date
The study concludes with the modification of the hypothesis. That is, the elderly females were found not to be
segregated in certain respects. When it comes to relations with neighbours and relatives such as spouse and
children, they were found to be segregated however, within the community, elderly females interviewed were
found to be segregated as they themselves felt left out of the community.
Alicia Anna Fava
2006
30
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Subject
Keywords
Sociology
Title
WIDOWERS AS SINGLE FATHERS:
Social and Practical Aspects
Widespread stereotypes hold that most men have neither the talent nor the inclination to perform the fathering
role. In fact some feminists hold that men are impaired in their parental commitment due to the absence of early
identification experiences with their own fathers. However other sociological models insist that single fathers, as
is demonstrated by widowers, can become proficient parents when the situation demands it of them, in spite of
being poorly socialized for parenthood.
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
The study intends to show that while continuing to fill the traditional family role of provider, widowers also fulfil
the role of nurturers for their children. They socialize their children and are totally responsible for their custody
and care. In fact the research findings demonstrate that widowers start valuing their family’s wellbeing to a
greater extent than during marriage. Widowers take on multiple roles, and give up their own personal
satisfaction and fulfilment, in order to provide their children with the best childhood possible.
Amanda Catania
2006
Sociology
CHANGING ROLES
The New Phenomenon of the Maltese House-Husbands
In a context of social change, different family structures and realities emerge. Socio-economic changes have set
priority the need of women to work in the labour market therefore the role of males as fathers and husbands
started to get more discourse. This study is a sociological inquiry examining the new roles of men as care givers
and house bearers. These men show an alternative to the traditional Maltese family where this new family
structure, the reversal-role family, inverts the traditional parental roles, where husbands-fathers are the
housebounds and wives-mothers are the breadwinners.
The analysis indicates that the Maltese society is still not accepting the inversion of parental roles, as Malta still
persists with a sexist culture. Although men are assigning more time to housekeeping and also to childrearing, it
still seems that the family stress the female role as being more suitable and committed to manage the home and
the nurturing role.
Francesca Theuma
2006
31
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Subject
Keywords
Sociology
Title
CLEANING ATTENDANTS
The Study of Their Socio-Economic Status
There seems to be a sociological trend which promotes the idea of the embourgeoisement of Maltese society, but
at the same time we are seeing an increase in part-time and contract work both in the manual and non-manual
sectors. This study includes use of semi-structured interviews conducted with twenty cleaning attendants within
a prestigious institution. This was accompanied by the analysis of secondary data in order to find out how state
institutions locate these workers within the class structure.
Abstract
Women’s lifestyles are analysed including the effects of their working conditions and attitudes, and whether a
feeling of empowerment and equality with male counterparts is being reached. It was found that cleaning
attendants were employed in the service sector, falling under fixed contractual patterns. This was mainly due to
the fact that apart from performing expressive roles which are still significantly carried out by women, they are
now immersed in the instrumental role as well.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
This in turn demonstrates that since these cleaning attendants involve themselves in the world of work, they
occupy a class position. Therefore the material assets, education and the job one does give rise to a general
apprehension of social differences.
Juliet Azzopardi
2006
Sociology
o Social Class
o Embourgeoisement
o Labour Market
o Social Inequality
o Expressive and Instrumental Roles
NOT FOR GIRLS
A Case study of women’s football in Malta
Gender inequity has always been a main issue in human history. It puts women at a disadvantage and gives
men priorities in turn. Men felt superior to women and they asserted their power on them to retain their position
in society, which resulted in inequality.
Football is a clear example of primitive gender inequality, where men are treated better than women. In the
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Sociology Dissertations
women’s sector female players are neglected and not given dedicated attention as men are. Football is still a
male oriented sport; the general stance is that football is not for girls and females should keep to their gender
logic. Local people are unaware of the fact that every season a women’s football league is organised.
My study was conducted in a qualitative technique, that is, data were collected through in-depth interviews. The
majority of the informants were players from different teams taking part in the league, and some others were
coaches and referees of the women’s sector.
I have included a historical background of gender inequality in sports, which was verified as being still relevant
in the present day, by the players interviewed. Male dominance is still central in this field and sectors like the
media is still reinforcing this issue. The general outlook is still labelling women footballers as tomboys or
lesbians.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
The aim of my study has not been solely to complete my degree course at university, but more importantly, I
hope that it serves as a means of insight into the field, so that further improvement in the women’s football
league is made.
Melanie Micallef Carr
2006
Sociology
o Gender Inequity
o Football
o Players
o Discrimination
GOING UNDERGROUND
A Sociological Analysis of the Maltese Punk Community
This study analyses the dynamics of the Maltese punk subculture and examines the values held by the
individuals who constitute this subculture. It investigates the identity formation of individuals within the punk
subculture and provides a critique of postmodern notions of subcultural formation. The political and ideological
aspect of the subculture is revealed, and the shift from a more traditional. Symbol-based identity to a modern
ideology-based punk identity is noted. This is examined in the context of the consumption of traditional punk
iconography.
It is argued that the punk identity is essentially a political identity that stems from a belief in a cultural
alternative to what is perceived to be the dominant hegemony within society. Therefore, the punk movement
may be seen as having the potential to lead to a form of new social movement that combats this cultural
33
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
dominance.
Neville Borg
2006
Sociology
COMPUTER USE
A New Medium For Establishing New Forms of Social Relationships or an Instrument For Individual Isolation?
The use of computers is increasing at an accelerating rate, especially among young people. What fundamentally
sets children apart from adults here is the fact that these are the generations growing up with this medium.
Children of ages nine and twelve were selected from a small number of government, private and church schools
and semi-structured interviews were conducted to look into the activities children carry out on the computer and
online, the time spent on computers and their implications for children’s social relationships. It gives particular
importance to the use of computer for school work, chat and game-playing. Secondly, it asks questions regarding
what lead children to use computers in certain ways and whether computer use is hindering the maintenance
and formation of social relationships at a time were social contact is imperative to the socialisation process. A
number of parents are also involved in the study so as to obtain a more holistic picture.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
The results of the study show that children use the knowledge they obtain from their existing, ‘off-line’ social
relationships and carry it to the way they make use of computers. This research also shows that there are
several social aspects to the activities children carry out on the computer. Although attempts are made to meet
other people online, these relationships are, however, weak and short lived.
Rachel Ferriggi Waldron
2006
Sociology
o Children
o Computers
o Social Relationships
o Social Aspects
o Socialisation
SMALL-SCREEN AGORA
A Study on the Promotion of the Ideal and the Social Construction of Consumption Behind Maltese Teleshopping
Being compared to an agora, teleshopping programmes are a new means of promoting and selling products
through the television. This study establishes that the Maltese teleshopping audience incorporates more than
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Sociology Dissertations
half of the whole population. Less than half of these buy frequently through this means.
This study seeks to understand how the teleshopping programmes portray the products they promote. Unlike
advertisements, the majority of the teleshopping programmes focus on the functional values of the product
promoted, rather than emphasising the added values. Through stressing the functional values of each product,
this dissertation shows that teleshopping programmes are creating new needs, which can be satisfied in real
time. Thus, teleshopping programmes are also constructing consumption.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
This research concludes that the audience behind Maltese teleshopping programmes is active. It is also noticed
that consumption through these programmes takes place on rational grounds, since the majority buy only what
they consider as a need.
Roderick White
2006
Sociology
o Audience Reception
o Consumption
o Functional Values
o Needs
o Teleshopping
RELATIONSHIPS AND PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
An Overview of the Situation in Malta
The Maltese Government presents itself as an equal opportunities state. In February 2000, Malta passed its first
Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, thirteen years after the establishment of the National
commission for the handicapped, now the National Commission Persons with Disability (NCPD) (Camilleri and
Callus, 2001). The study asks whether these claims to disability equality can be sustained, in the context of more
traditional features of Malta’s society and social policy, in particular the medical model of disability that
underpins much of the social, interactional and marriage opportunities. It examines the past relationships,
present relationships, future plans and knowledge about sexuality.
It adopts a qualitative approach with semi structured interviews and uses data from twelve persons with
intellectual disability attending the resource centres in Malta as well as an interview with one of the Heads of
these resource centres. Reference was also made to already existing literature on the issue of disability and
relationships. While persons with disabilities have achieved some progress in terms of rights, there persists a
gulf between government’s proclaimed equal opportunities objectives and the lived realities of these persons with
intellectual disabilities.
35
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The research suggests that persons with intellectual disability are not provided with adequate sex education. It
is also evident that the majority of these individuals are overprotected by their respective families. The strong
pressure to traditional roles is embedded in Maltese cultural and social norms, but also in the state’s own social
policies. It is the responsibility of any society to ensure the well being of the persons with intellectual disability.
Sarah Attard
2006
Sociology
SELF-ADVOCACY IN MALTA
Person With Intellectual Disabilities Speak Up For Themselves and Voice Out Their Issues
Some people have never been informed that they have the same rights to make choices as everyone else. Some
cannot read or write because people thought they couldn’t, so they didn’t bother to teach them. this goes
especially for persons with intellectual disability who are generally more devalued than those who have a
physical or sensory impairments because of the difficulties they face in learning new skills and because of the
gaps in their cognitive development. This does not only dehumanise persons with disability but also it
dehumanises society. in fact society has allowed significant social and physical barriers that still prevent the
mentally disabled from integrating and participating fully in the larger society. The goal of self-advocacy
movement is to enable people with developmental disabilities to be part of the community by learning to
advocate for themselves by strengthening their individual capabilities and maximizing their self-advocacy skills.
The aim of the study is to digest the impact of self-advocate movements upon persons with intellectual
disabilities in Malta. This study examines whether self-advocacy presents opportunities for the persons with
disability to know their own rights and responsibilities, stand up for them and be independent decision makers.
By doing these things, the quality of life for people with disabilities is vastly improved. Fourty members of selfadvocacy groups across Malta agreed to participate in the research design. It adopts a qualitative approach with
in-depth interviews and focus groups were held within respective centers in order to illustrate the impact of selfadvocacy change upon group members. The results indicated that self-advocacy has been instrumental in
promoting the equality, independence and livelihood of persons with disabilities. Observations were also held in
seminars to gain a greater insight into self-advocacy and highlight the problematic areas that are restricting its
future growth. To conclude, these limitations will be targeted by suggested recommendations.
Sarah Borg
2006
Sociology
36
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Title
Abstract
VOLUNTARY WORK EXPERIENCE IN NAPLES
What Motivates Young People To Go For Voluntary Work in Naples
Volunteering interests people coming from all walks of life, gender and age. Youths are no exception because
they have a great interest in giving their time to benefit the community. Indeed, voluntary work helps the
development of young people because by involving themselves activities youth develop their identity and give
meaning to their life. Understanding youth volunteering in Malta is thus necessary to understand the role of
volunteering in local youth culture.
Every summer, a group of Maltese youth volunteers go to do voluntary work in Naples. The volunteers that
involve themselves in this particular type of voluntary activity are responsible for the coordination of a summer
school Naples. This study explains the various phenomena that attract young people to do this missionary
activity in Naples. Fourteen participants were interviewed about their experience in Naples. In this study, all
participants interviewed are very young, suggesting that the participation in voluntary activities at a young age
may be a contributory factor to develop a culture of volunteering.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract youths at volunteering. Some ways of making
voluntary work more attractive are identified and discussed in this study. By engaging in voluntary activities,
youths offer many positive contributions to society, therefore it important that adults and voluntary
organisations provide young people with both effective support and positive criticism.
Sarah Spiteri
2006
Sociology
Title
PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN THE WORKFORCE SECTOR
Abstract
This thesis is divided into mainly four sections. Firstly, in the beginning one shall find a brief introduction on
how disabled people were treated before. Moreover, a definition of disability is than found followed by the
distinction between the Medical and the Social Model of disability. Furthermore, in the second section named the
literature review; one can find the effects people’s behaviour has on disabled people, the issues of discrimination
and the Maltese legislations regarding people with a disability. Furthermore, one can find the Maltese
employment situation of disabled people followed by a comparison with other countries such as the United
Kingdom. The Disability Employment Policy and the New Guidelines are also going to be discussed. On the other
hand, in the third section one can find the methodology part, were the aims of the study and the methods used to
carry out the study are explained. Last but not least, the last section named data analysis gives the views of ten
37
Sociology Dissertations
disabled people who accepted to be interviewed on several issues regarding their present job and if they face
discrimination or not. Finally, a number of aspects which arise from the study are also going to be discussed. The
thesis finishes with the references section where one can find all the books and websites used to further my
research. All of this is than followed by a brief conclusion and recommendations in which all the major obstacles
disabled people face are mentioned and several important issues which must be taken into consideration are
underlined.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
“Work is not only most significant way out of poverty, but can also provide valued social roles outside the family,
including a sense of responsibility that transcends the individual. Employment can thus offer an important way
of structuring one’s sense of identity. Similarly, the well-catalogued consequences of prolonged periods of
employment go beyond mere financial hardship and challenge both the individual and the community of which
they form a part”. Miles Rinaldi & Robert Hill.
Sloane Goodlip
2006
Sociology
2005
PJT
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
PJT
Title
Abstract
A FATHER AFFAIR?
Taking the Perception of Maltese Professionals Regarding Child Sexual Abuse
Alexia Nappa
2005
Sociology
THE CONTRIBUTION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION TO SOCIAL MOBILITY IN MALTA
A Sociological Analysis of the Contribution of Medicine and Bachelor Degree Courses to Social Mobility in Malta
This dissertation investigates the extent to which tertiary education in Malta is contributing to the process of
upward social mobility. It focuses on two major faculties within the University of Malta- the Faculty of Medicine
and the Faculty of Arts. It tries to uncover whether the process of self-recruitment in certain ‘prestigious’
professions such as the medical profession is still prevalent in Malta. The hypothesis of this study is that
although during the last decades, university has opened to the masses, however, ‘prestigious’ faculties such as
the Faculty of Medicine are still characterized by a dominance of individuals coming from an elite background
unlike other less ‘prestigious’ faculties such as the Faculty of Arts which tend to have more participants from the
38
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
MEL
working-class. In order to test this hypothesis, 120 students were interviewed- 60 students who are following a
course in Medicine and the other half who are following a Bachelors course. The results suggest that the initial
hypothesis of this study are correct since the research shows that the majority of students following the Medicine
course have one or more of their relatives in the same profession or else are in a professional occupation. On the
other hand, results show that the majority of students following a Bachelors course come from a working-class
background.
Christine Caruana
2005
Sociology
Title
THE ROLE OF MALTESE SCHOOLS IN THE INTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Abstract
The study focuses on the extent to which the Maltese schools help in the integration of persons with disabilities.
The major factors dealing with this integration were the attitude, resources, and equity amongst students,
facilitators and teachers when dealing with children having a disability.
This dissertation was based on qualitative research method having semi-structured interviews among the
participants. Reactions, attitudes, feelings and ways of dealing with the integration of persons with disability
were pointed out through this qualitative method. This was sustained with the literature and local research.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
After analysing and discussing various views, the study concluded that the mainstream schools were integrating
the children with disabilities, which leads to having inclusion within the society itself. The degree to which
inclusion is a reality seems to be quite good. But there is always space for improvement. Another conclusion
made was that there is the need for more specialised resources to cater for students with specific disabilities. We
cannot continue to talk about integration and not have the needed resources and accessibility to do this in
practice. General recommendations were given in order to improve the integration of children with disabilities in
mainstream schools.
Christopher Bonnici
2005
Sociology
o Integration and inclusion
o Persons with disability
o Equity and equality
o Mainstream education and schooling
39
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Title
Abstract
POLITICAL MEDIA – IS IT EFFECTIVE?
The Politicians’ Viewpoint
Maltese political parties utilize the mass media to convey their messages to the electorate in an effort to try to
obtain the maximum number of votes at election time. in this study, I am going to examine why political Parties
believe they need to make use of various media to send messages to the public.
This study is going to be based on qualitative interviews with four prominent figures within the four Maltese
political parties. Through these interviews, I shall try to ascertain how the political parties make use of their
own media where applicable, and the general media; some of the issues discussed in this text regard how party
political broadcasts are funded, how the broadcasts are targeted towards different social groups within the
Maltese electorate and how some political candidates gain media exposure and not others.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
In this way, I will be in a position to assess whether political parties rely solely and completely on the mass
media for their propaganda purposes or if this is only one way of persuading to get the attention of the
electorate.
Claudia Sciberras
2005
Sociology
MALTESE-ARAB MARRIAGES
A Measuring-Rod of Maltese Racism
Anti-Arab sentiments in Malta are tangible in the various aspects of social life. As the main aim of this study
was to qualify rather than quantify the degree of racism against Arabs in Malta, deliberations focus on MalteseArab married couples, due to their multifaceted experiences in this regard. The research consisted in
interviewing sessions intended to explore manifestations of racial prejudices and discrimination; namely at the
workplace, public venues, and governmental departments; and by relatives, friends, neighbours, and the local
media. The analysis of local newspapers was employed as an additional source of information in order to support
or refute affirmations made during the interviews.
This work betrays the fact that religion is definitely a crucial factor, which affects thoroughly Maltese-Arab
relations in Malta. On the other hand the local media has proved seminal in producing and perpetuating antiArab sentiments. Through scrutiny of the latter considerations the researcher tried to (i) outline the real causes
of Arabophobia and, accordingly, (ii) evaluate the possibility of pluralistic integration of Arab nationals in
Maltese society.
Deborah Cassar
40
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Date
Subject
Keywords
2005
Sociology
Title
Abstract
THE GRASSROOTS NOTION OF DEMOCRACY
The definition of the word democracy from the time of ancient Greece up to now, has not been that constant.
There have been many theories and ideologies on this concept. Thus existed many debates on the ability of
democracy to present properly both the will of the people and to do what is right. This sociological study will
therefore expose the different viewpoints of different sociologists, who had expressed carious ideologies regarding
this subject. This study will also focus on development of democracy in Malta, with special reference to the
introduction and evolvement of Local Councils in these islands. Such a concept would be the source through
which the ever important features of democracy: decentralisation, devolution of power and subsidiarity are
within reach and grasp of common citizens. This will be done by focusing on one particular Gozitan Local
Council, that of the locality of Xagħra, and by resorting mainly two qualitative research methods. Semistructured interviews and with councillors and ex-councillors together with textual analysis of minute meetings
will be used as tools for this research. The findings will be brought together to give a more comprehensive picture
of the phenomenon under investigation.
Denise Gauci
2005
Sociology
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MONEY AND EQUALITY IN MARRIAGE
A Study Among Dual-Earner and Single-Earner Couples in a Gozitan Village
This dissertation is about money in marriage. Its aim is to study the degree to which equality can be said to exist
among married couples. From the sociological literature presented in this dissertation it is evident that
inequality in relation to money does exist among couples and that it is usually the wife who is left without
personal spending money. The crucial part of this dissertation is a social survey conducted in a Gozitan village
among both dual-earner and single-earner couples. The aim of this survey is to find out the main ways in which
Gozitan couples manage their household money and to find out whether the degree of inequality between
husband and wife is less when the wife is involved in paid employment. This is followed by an analysis of the
research results, which are intertwined with a discussion on the survey findings.
Dianne Sultana
2005
Sociology
41
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
MEL
Title
Abstract
THE EXTRA PARENT
Grandparents Are Helping Out, Pitching In, And Raising Their Grandchildren
In a context of social change, different family structures and realities emerge. Socio-economic changes have set
priority need of women to work in the labour market. Added to this, different family structures, such as single
motherhood have been forced to go out and find work. Although this situation has certainly solved some
economic problems, it has created others’ concerning the responsibility of childcare. If parent/s cannot take the
responsibility of child caring because of work or other factors, who is going to take care of these children? This
study is a sociological inquiry examining the nature of the relationship built between grandparents who care give
their grandchildren.
The analysis indicates that the role that grandparents take as caregivers resembles that of a parent. The level of
responsibility grandparents are being faced with has induced them to act more as parents than as grandparents.
This has led to a particular situation in which the child builds a strong affectional bond with the grandparents.
This bond is strong to such an extent that grandparents can be classified as ‘EXTRA PARENTS’. In situations of
dual earner couples, the grandparent becomes a sort of supplementary parent (third), but when the level of
responsibility is higher, such as in the cases of single parents, the grandparents automatically become the
parents. The reality and the exigencies of grandparents to care give their grandchildren has led to an interesting
setting in which the child today is being faced with another pair of parents.
John Paul Mifsud
2005
Sociology
NO TO UNISEX ROLES?
A Comparative Study in Gender Roles in Ħal Kirkop
Jeremy Boissevain, in his book Ħal Farruā: A Village in Malta (1969), a study carried out in the early 1960s,
stated that gender roles in the family life were clearly segregated along sex lines. He defines the family as based
on a sharp sexual division of labour, in which the man was expected to be the breadwinner and act as a head of
the household. On the other hand, the woman was expected to stay at home and be responsible for the domestic
care and upkeep of the home.
This study intends to uncover social change, if any, in terms of gender roles in the contemporary family. The
research examines the contrasting features of the traditional family vis-à-vis the contemporary family in Ħal
Kirkop.
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
The research findings demonstrate a complex context of the contemporary family. it is clear that the family unit
departed from the traditional sex-ascribed unit. However, this does not necessarily mean that traditional
elements are no longer there. The contemporary family, which I referred to the neo-traditional family, suggests
that there is no evidence of a total disruption of the traditional model. One cannot draw a line and distinguish
between traditional and contemporary families. The elements of a traditional family are being combined in the
contemporary one, making it possible for the two family arrangements to co-exist and possibly be blended
together. In this context, gender roles are blurred and not so clear cut, but still present.
Leonid McKay
2005
Sociology
GOZO STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY IN MALTA
Challenges Faced by Gozitan Students – An Analysis
This study highlights Gozitan undergraduates studying at the University of Malta and their new life in Malta.
More importantly, this study identifies the problems that these students have to contend with. This research is
about undergraduate students following a full time course at the University of Malta coming from Gozo and the
problems they have to deal with to benefit from this level of education. These problems range from those of
displacement, mobility and financial positions. Investigation was made possible by utilising questionnaires with
200 students according to a quota divided on the year of studies and the faculty. The aim of this survey is to find
out what the problems of these students are, and if there is a relationship between the year of studies and the
father’s occupation, and whether these variables influence the problems they have to go through. This is followed
by an analysis of the research results, which are intertwined with a discussion on the survey findings.
Maria Grech Magro
2005
Sociology
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS:
A Case Study of the Third World Group
Social movements, non-governmental organisations and other voluntary groups have so much become part of the
daily social life that sometimes they are forgotten, and their effects upon society are not so much being
considered as important by many people. Thus, it has constantly been the author’s wish to look at these social
movements through a sociological point of view and reveal how they work, what they are after, the kind of people
whom these attract, and their structure, apart from looking at several other components which make up these
groups of people.
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Sociology Dissertations
This work tries to put into light, one of the local social movements by looking at both the structural set-up and
the individuals who keep it in existence by adapting it to the current situation within society. The author
identifies the process which the group went through, which resulted in the present structure as witnessed by the
members; as well as the ongoing process of integration of the members within the group.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The Third World Group is a social movement which constantly tries to reach out to the people in order to make
them aware of the unequal and unjust society which we are living in. However, by no means does this work
provide a full picture of the group. Yet, through the use of documents, leaflets and the several accounts by the
members, the author could establish a good representation of the group which led to further explanations and
empirical evidence for statements made throughout this work. A chapter which underlines theories provides the
reader with an adequate background for a better understanding of social movements, while giving also a glimpse
of the situations both in Malta and abroad, where the social movement is carrying out its work.
Maria Micallef
2005
Sociology
AUTHORITARIAN AND EGALITARIAN MONETARY DECISION-MAKING IN THE MALTESE FAMILY:
A Study of Married Couples in Two Local Towns
The family is a very important institution in Malta. The present study aims to analyse such an institution from a
monetary perspective. It will investigate whether monetary decisions reflect an authoritative trend within the
family structure or a more egalitarian and democratic trend. Previous studies on this issue are consulted to
derive hypotheses that are tested in this quantitative research. Married couples aged thirty to sixty years old are
chosen from two comparable towns in Malta to participate in this research. The findings of this dissertation show
whether the Maltese family under study is still characterised by an authoritative figure or is moving towards an
egalitarian structure.
Marylou Muscat
2005
Sociology
o Family
o Monetary Decision-Making
o Money Management
o Egalitarian
o Authoritarian
o Gender Inequalities
44
Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
SPORTS AS A CAREER
A Qualitative Study on the Feasibility of Becoming a Professional Athlete in Malta
The following study is a sociological inquiry investigating whether Maltese athletes have the possibility to take
up sport as a profession. This was carried out by conducting fourteen in-depth interviews with athletes and
another five interviews with officials forming part of the sport bureaucratic structure in Malta. The athletes
interviewed formed part of the National Team. The following research study seeks to map out the constraints
faced by Maltese semi-professional athletes to manage to compete at an international level.
In the following research the researcher will set out to study whether Maltese athletes competing on an
international level perceive their activity as a type of work or simply as a hobby. Therefore, by analyzing which
perception they have towards sport, the researcher will be able to deduct whether competitive sport in Malta is
losing its play element. The researcher is also interested in finding our whether semi professional Maltese
athletes see the possibility that sports in Malta in the future can be a lucrative career, where the individual can
earn a living.
Mathea Karla Gauci
2005
Sociology
PROFESSIONALLY EMPLOYED FEMALES AND THE CARING OF ELDERLY PARENTS
The Effects of Work on Care Giving
Professionally employed females and non-employed females were studied within a sociological framework. The
main aim was investigate the effects of employment on the care giving towards elderly parents. The purpose of
this study was to find the difference between the type of care giving provided by the employed educated females
and non-working females.
A few decades back, women generally were assigned the role of primary caregivers. As women continue to enter
in the world of work, their ability to provide assistance and support to the elderly diminishes. As the health of
the elderly deteriorates, they are becoming increasingly dependent upon family members for support and
assistance. Difficulties may arise due to family expectations projected upon the adult daughter, regarding the
type and amount of care that is required.
The change in the working patterns of women in the past 30 years has had an impact on the availability of
women to engage in full time care giving responsibilities. Women who care for elderly parents are constantly
juggling the obligations of work, family and care giving. Naturally, this is no easy task and problems such as
45
Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
time availability, lack of personal space and conflicts in inter-personal relationships must always be included,
when thinking of working females with care giving responsibilities.
Nadianne Grech
2005
Sociology
THE ROLE OF THE MOTHER-IN-LAW IN TODAY’S MALTESE FAMILY
The Maltese society is experiencing rapid change that is promoting progress. Although progress is necessary, it
is the cause for the acquisition of new habits and values as people are viewing life from new perspectives. The
aim of this qualitative research was to discuss with 20 participants, how the changes that the Maltese society
has experienced, has influenced the role of the mother-in-law. The research was divided in three parts, namely
what were the perceptions of the respondents about the mother-in-law, how the respondents related to their
mother-in-law and finally what should be the ideal role of a mother-in-law. After reporting the main findings of
the research, the data was analysed. The main points elicited from the analysis of the data were that although
the role of the mother-in-law has changed, she is still an important point of reference. She is welcome to take up
the responsibility of child-caring while the parents are at work, although the couple expected that she did not
interfere with the independence of the family. Based upon the conclusions, the researcher recommended a
number of changes intended to enhance the role of the mother-in-law in today’s Maltese family.
Nathalie Muscat
2005
Sociology
COMPARING TWO GENERATIONS OF WOMEN IN A SMALL TOWN IN MALTA, ATTARD:
A Sociological Inquiry
Social change is slowly mounting up in our society, resulting in change in values, morality, sexuality, religion
and other related issues. By comparing two generations of females in H’Attard, I will attempt to illustrate how
social change takes place in the value-priorities, opinions and attitudes of people.
Social change is a continuous and complex process. It is so slow and gradual that people experiencing it are not
always aware of the change taking place around them. Sometimes, years have to pass for people to become
conscious of these changes. Unfortunately, we tend to live in the past far more than we realize or would like to
admit. Similarly we interpret reality in terms of concepts and worldviews based on past experiences. We tend to
interpret reality around concepts based on experiences which were interpreted earlier by older generations in
our society. As we grow-up, we are continuously interpreting reality upon pre-fabricated concepts which act as
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Sociology Dissertations
old road maps to guide us in reaching our goals. Likewise we were socialized into values pre-fabricated by past
generations. However, as we grow-up and keep on experiencing change we begin to give priority to values which
traditionally were not of great importance. As a consequence, the priorities that we give to certain values than
others reflect the impact of our formative experiences. Therefore, special reference will be made to the
transitional period of adolescence where our worldviews tend to crystallize. The main hypothesis of this study is
that the old generations compared to the young generations tend to give more priority to materialist/traditional
values over post-materialist/traditional values. In order to examine these shifting value orientations, this study
will explore how generational succession contributes to social change. In order to understand this shift from
materialism/traditional to post-materialism/traditional value orientations between both generations, changes
linked to education, morality, sexuality, family life, work and religions values were explored.
Our attitudes can change easily, but it takes much longer for a change to occur in a central component of our
worldview. Changes in worldviews can only take place as one generation replaces another. Thus, prevailing
worldviews change gradually through intergenerational replacement. This means that social and cultural change
reflects it’s self in generational shifts. Therefore the study of generations is important because they are the force
behind the preservation and the change of tradition within society. In order to explore such themes the main
arguments of Karl Mannheim and Ronald Inglehart on the related subjects are regularly referred to throughout
this study.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
In order to study intergenerational shifts in value priorities a quantitative approach was used in this research. A
convenience sampling method was used to obtain the 100 females from H’Attard participating in this study. The
data was obtained by using structured closed ended quantitative questionnaires which were personally
distributed and collected during face to face interviews to all the respondents participating in the study.
Interviews with all the participants were carried out during the month of February. The questionnaires were
pre-coded and analysed by means of the SPSS program version 11.0.0 (2001). The analysed data was discussed
and supported by means of tables and bar graphs. Chi-Square tests were carried out to check for association
between a variety of variables such as respondents’ age, occupation, level of education, religiosity and many
others. Some of the findings support the hypothesis of this research whilst others reject it. It is important to note
that neither one of the hypothesis can be totally accepted and rejected. It was concluded that the generation of
mothers under study favoured more traditional/materialistic values and needs compared to the young generation
of daughters. However, this cannot be generalized since both generations hold a variety of mixed value
orientations. On the other hand compared to their mothers the daughters gave more importance to postmaterial/traditional values and seemed to be hold different worldviews.
Nathalie Williams
2005
Sociology
o Generations
47
Sociology Dissertations
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
MAF
MEL
Intergenerational Value Change
Materialist/Traditional Values
Post-Materialist/Traditional Values
Worldviews
Generational Succession
Generation Gap
Social Change
Value Priorities
Title
THE SATU EXPERIENCE
A Drug – Crime Relationship
Abstract
‘Drugs are tearing apart our societies, spawning crime, spreading diseases such as aids and killing our youth and
our future.’ UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
The problem of drug abuse is a widespread phenomenon. These days, drugs can be found everywhere. Just as
there are many types of drugs available, there are as many reasons for trying drugs or starting to use drugs
regularly. The truth is that drugs don’t solve problems. Drugs simply hide feelings and problems for a short
period of time. Drugs ruin every aspect of a person’s life.
The purpose of this study was to present the personal experience of drug-using, crime-committing individuals.
Six inmates who have been convicted of crimes are found in the prison-based therapeutic unit of SATU
(Substance Abuse Therapeutic Unit).
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
Title
Entering for the first time this correctional institution, I felt a bit confused and afraid of entering a place I was
always taught not to go into. I was under the impression that inmates are basically different from the rest of
society. But my experience with these people over the weeks changed completely this wrong impression. The men
I met at SATU are in a sense the poorest of the poor. Society seems to have little sympathy for them. In this
research project, my point is not to justify or otherwise drug addicts’ criminal behaviour but merely setting a
moot point to the reader, to understand the need to enhance society to be more tolerant and accepting towards
the ex-drug addicts.
Nathalie Zerafa
2005
Sociology
WOMEN’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS WORK
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Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
In a Residential Home for Persons with Disabilities
This research study examines women’s attitudes towards work, in a residential home for persons with
disabilities. It is a comparative study between higher and lower educated women. This was done by means of ten
in-depth interviews. Special consideration is given to family responsibilities, childcare, job satisfaction, work
environment and values of work. The aim is to uncover the differences in attitudes between women with tertiary
education, and others with secondary education, and whether women are motivated in their work.
Recommendations of policies and measures intended to facilitate women’s entry in the labour market conclude
this dissertation.
Oriana Ellul
2005
Sociology
COMMUNICATION PATTERNS WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION
This research was set up to conduct a small sale study on communication patterns within a well known financial
organization. The research was done through interviews with willing informants. The interviews were
transcribed and their content was compared with the available theoretical literature on the subject. Qualitative
methodology was utilized for the conducting of this dissertation. The data was primarily gathered through
interviews which were composed of a set of eight principal issues for discussion.
It came out that communication within the organization under study was conducted basically top-down. Bottom
up communication is much more complicated as other variables such as trade unions come into play. These
findings suggest an affirmation of other findings that came out from other similar studies. That is,
organizational communication is practically conducted in the same manner both at a local and worldwide level.
The conclusions reached imply that what has been suggested in the literature review does not at all apply for
this organization at a local level.
Paul Carabott
2005
Sociology
o Communication
o Hierarchy
o Bureaucracy
THE PERSPECTIVE OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS TOWARDS UNEMPLOYMENT AND THEIR LEISURE
TIME
A Quantitative Analysis in the Outer Harbour Region Area
49
Sociology Dissertations
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
This dissertation is going to focus on the perspective of unemployed youths towards unemployment and their
leisure time. This research is going to centre primarily on how these unemployed youths perceive unemployment
and what factors affect whether one gets employed or not. How these unemployed youths used to spend their
leisure time when they were employed is also going to be investigated. Moreover, the manner of who looks for
help in governmental institutions is also going to be tackled. Apart from giving the general percentage outcome
of the whole population in the analysis of data this research goes into more detail as regards analyses from the
perspective of age: those aged between 15 and 19 years being in the late teenage years, against those aged
between 20 and 24 years, being in early adulthood, and gender. This is going to be pursued in order to see
whether there is any difference in opinions between the age groups and also whether there is any difference
between the opinion of females and males when tackling the issues. This research was done using quantitative
methodology. The participants of this research were one hundred twenty unemployed youths, aged between
fifteen and twenty-four years from the localities of B’Kara and Qormi. This dissertation is going to follow this
order: chapter one: introduction, chapter two: literature review, chapter three: methodology and chapter four:
results and chapter five is the conclusion of this dissertation.
Redianne Saliba
2005
Sociology
o Unemployment
o Youths
o Leisure
o Family
o Education
o Unemployed Youths
TATTOOING AND EMPLOYMENT IN MALTA:
A Qualitative Study
The main goal of my research is to investigate the relation between tattooing and employment in Malta and thus
show if there exists a stigma towards people with tattoos when it comes to employment. I thus conducted a
qualitative study which consisted of interviews with three types of people: tattooed individuals, tattooists, and
human resource managers of important companies. The long essay also reviews literature on tattooing including
the different types of tattoos and the different ways in which tattoos have started to gain greater acceptance in
various societies. By means of my dissertation I hope to give a clearer picture about a subject which to my
knowledge has been the topic of study of only one dissertation in the Maltese Islands, a quantitative work by
Anika Griscti, in 2004, and thus encourage the employers involved to be more accepting towards people with
tattoos. In fact my study did show that although society at large has indeed become more accepting towards
tattooed people discrimination does exist in the sphere of employment. The research revealed that the two main
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
factors influencing employer decisions are the type of tattoo one owns and the position to be filled by the
prospective worker.
Robert Alexander Bugeja
2005
Sociology
o Tattooing
o Employment
o Deviance
o Stigma
o Social Meaning
o Moral Passage
I SHOP THEREFORE I AM
A Sociological Study of the Meaning of Consumption Among Maltese Youth
The aim of this research is a sociological enquiry investigating the meaning behind the activity of consumption.
It examines the underlying reasons contributing to consumers choosing certain goods over others. It also
investigates how people link their appearance with what they consume. Advertising is another concept explored
throughout the research, seen as responsible for creating desires and a need to consume. We also see how fashion
is able to communicate and give signs of economic status and consumers use if for the same effect. Lastly, it also
investigates how shopping is gendered, a pleasurable activity that functions as a form of therapy and the period
fluctuations of consumption. The entire mentioned stands as an important contribution to facilitate the aim of
this research; to find a meaning behind consumption and that I shop therefore I am, is not a myth.
Roseanne Zammit
2005
Sociology
o Advertising
o Appearance
o Fashion
o Shopping
EMPLOYMENT AFTER IMPRISONMENT
Is Prejudice the only Impediment to Employment?
An individual who has a clean police conduct enjoys a place to live in, a family and a job. Ex-convicts, however,
have great difficulties to enjoy their lives based on these criteria. One of the major difficulties that ex-convicts
have is finding a job. Their prison sentence generates labelling, stigma and prejudice. All these factors make it
more difficult for ex-prisoners to re-integrate in society.
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Chapter 1 is a preamble of the subject highlighting the intentions of the researcher and the interest in the
subject. The chapter narrates who the protagonists are and also elucidates on concepts such as prejudice and
discrimination. The preamble is then followed by a theoretical chapter which analyses various sociological
perspectives ranging from classical to modern thinkers. The third chapter describes the methodology and
methods used. This chapter is followed by an analysis of the interviews conducted with a number of participants
namely employers, ex-prisoners, probation officer and other service providers and policy makers involved with
this social group. The last section of this dissertation incorporates some solutions and propositions so that can
help ex-prisoners reintegrate in society.
Ylenia Cauchi Carter
2005
Sociology
2004
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
MIGRATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE:
The Case of Returned Gozitan Migrants
During the last century, many Gozitans have emigrated to earn a living in a foreign country. A large percentage
of these Gozitans migrants, chose America or Australia as their host country. After a number of years of hard
work, many of them have returned to Gozo. The primary aim of this dissertation is to study whether emigration
has resulted in a change in values for the Gozitan migrants, who emigrated to America of Australia and now
have re-settled back in Gozo. Using structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 150 returned Gozo
migrants, I will investigate the hypothesis that the returned Gozitan migrants who once lived in America or
Australia, did experience a change in their values as a result of their migratory period abroad.
Brian Zammit
2004
Sociology
Title
SURVIVING MENTAL ILLNESS
Abstract
This study is a Sociological enquiry investigating the beliefs and attitudes of the immediate neighbours of a
community mental health facility, the only one of its sort in Malta. This is done by means of ten in-depth
interviews as well as observation. The surrounding community is studied in its role as a host to a group of people
who have traditionally been excluded by society in general. This study strongly holds that the extent to which
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
the social integration of the mentally ill can be facilitated highly depends on the willingness of the wider
community to accept these people as equals within society. The findings show several ambivalent beliefs and
attitudes, which seem to reflect today’s ‘runaway’ life. Indeed, these attitudes stand as an important element
which can facilitate, or otherwise, the ‘survival of mental illness’.
Charlene Aquilina
2004
Sociology
Title
SOCIAL SOLIDARITY IN PRACTICE
Abstract
Solidarity, being fundamental to society is implemented in different ways. Looking at the reasons which justify
people’s actions is one purpose of this study. This study searches for verification or refutation of the hypothesis
that members of society are more concerned about profiting themselves than doing well for other members in
society. It also focuses on changes in values of solidarity. Charity, voluntary work, social solidarity, social capital,
unity and trust are some of the concepts highlighted. The main arguments of Robert Putnam and Francis
Fukuyama in the related subjects are regularly referred to throughout this dissertation.
The quantitative approach was applicable for this study. The convenience sampling method was used to obtain
the number of respondents participating in the study – B.A second and third year university students. The data
was collected by use of e-mail. The questionnaires were then coded and analysed by means of an SPSS program.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The analysis gives a detailed argument of the data collected, supported by graphs and tables. Some tests were
done to check for association between a variety of issues and the variables gender, subjects studied (Sociology
and Social Studies in particular) and paid work activity. The analysis highlights some statistics that support the
hypotheses of this research project. Other results oppose it. Neither one of the hypotheses can be totally accepted
or rejected. It was concluded that the Maltese people are neither completely self-centred nor entirely united. The
Maltese have mixed motivations. On the one hand, they donate and help for reasons and self-interest but on the
other hand, they are caring towards the needs of others in society.
Daniela Agius
2004
Sociology
o Social Capital
o Social Solidarity
o Charity
o Charitable Organisations
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Sociology Dissertations
o
o
o
o
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Voluntary Work
Trust
Social Order
Unity
CHANGE IN THE GOZITAN FAMILY
The purpose of this study was to study the change that is taking place in the Gozitan family, especially due to
the increase in mothers that are being engaged in paid employment outside the home. This study is aimed at
investigating if relationships of the dual-earner family are different from single-earner and traditional families;
if dual-earner families are less close to their family of origin than single-earner and traditional families and to
investigate if dual-earner families have less time to spend together on leisure activities than non-dual earner
families have. This study was conducted using the case-study method. Fifteen Gozitan families participated in
my research and they were divided into three groups: the traditional family, the contemporary family constituted
of one breadwinner and the contemporary dual-earner family.
Daniela Bugeja
2004
Sociology
THE EFFECTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PAID EMPLOYMENT OF MARRIED WOMEN IN THE 25-35
AGE COHORT IN A GOZITAN VILLAGE
This study highlights the pull factors that are encouraging women to participate in the labour market. More
importantly, this study is about identifying the effects both positive and negative that are attributed to the
workforce. The target of this research are Gozitan married women in the 25-35 age cohort in the role of workers
as well as members of a family (of orientation or procreation). In fact, these effects are perceived in the light of
three very important contexts; the effects on the married female worker, on the family as well as on the children.
Investigation has been made possible by utilising structured interviews with 100 working married women from a
Gozitan village. The aim of this survey is to find out whether there is a relationship between the occupations of
married women and the so-called effects that have developed as a result of doing paid employment outside the
home. This is followed by an analysis of the research results, which are intertwined with a discussion on the
survey findings.
Goline Attard
2004
Sociology
54
Sociology Dissertations
MAF
MEL
Title
THE REINTEGRATION OF DRUG ABUSERS IN SOCIETY
Abstract
The reintegration of drug abusers in society was the focus of this sociological study. The argument is introduced
by discussing the origins and aim of the study. An overview about the situation in Malta about therapeutic
communities and reintegration is also related. The theory is based on an interactionist perspective namely
Becker and functionalist views by Durkheim and Merton.
The study tries to identify through qualitative case study research the privileges or difficulties encountered
while the former drug abuser was integrating back in society. In depth interviews were carried out with ten
former drug abusers in order to highlight the subject matter. Moreover the researcher carried out interviews in
governmental and non-governmental organizations in order to see how they facilitate or hinder reintegration. A
detailed chapter about drug abuse, therapeutic communities and reintegration explains the concepts and notions
relevant to this dissertation.
The analysis gives an elaborate discussion about how the life prior to treatment conditioned reintegration of
former drug abusers. Reintegration within various social settings were discussed namely the family, leisure,
neighbourhood, partners, friends and work.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
The conclusion sums up the dissertation and discusses that reintegration is a gradual process acquired through
time. It relates to how participants failed or reintegrated in society.
Lorraine Caruana
2004
Sociology
o Reintegration
o Drug Abuse
o Former Drug Abusers
o Labelling
o Deviance
o Stigma
JUST AS THEY VACATE FROM CHILDHOOD THEY BRING ANOTHER CHILD TO THE WORLD:
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
What is Causing the Increase in Teenage Pregnancy in Our Society?
The aim of this study is to scrutinise the causes which are making up for the increase in teenage pregnancy
among out youths. This dissertation focuses on those females who are either pregnant teenagers, teenage
mothers or those who have gone through teenage motherhood a few years ago.
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Sociology Dissertations
Teenage parenting may be looked upon as a moral and social problem which leads to other problems. Though
society perceives teenage childbearing as a marker of general problem behaviour syndrome for girls, the majority
of the teenage mothers do not demonstrate long-term negative outcomes, since they claim that they have
succeeded with the help of others as well as their will to have the baby once they got pregnant.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
PJT
The main cause of teenage pregnancy is that teenagers are engaging in sexual activity but we cannot ignore the
fact that humans are all sexual beings. Humans include, women, men, teenagers and also children who all
practice sexuality in their own different ways. So why do we only blame teenagers for this phenomenon? Maybe
because their so-called ‘mistake’ could have repercussions on their later life? We blame them because they are
enamoured with the body and forget the meaning, but all teenagers are doing is repeating the errors of the
previous generations.
Mandy-Jo Ebejer
2004
Sociology
Title
THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL PREDISPOSITIONS OF EATING DISORDERS
among female schoolchildren in Malta
Abstract
The following work is a quantitative research designed to study the various cultural and social factors that may
influence unhealthy eating practices and body management habits and may predispose a young Maltese female
schoolchild to develop an Eating Disorder. The data collection method used is of the quantitative type with a
nationally representative sample having a proportionate representation of each region of the island according to
school and population density.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The main themes that were described as most relevant by the main contributors in this field were the family,
media exposure and personal lifestyle. The questionnaire was specifically constructed to address these themes
and to bring to light any patterns, tendencies and correlations from these themes together with the respondents’
attitudes and habits.
Martin Farrugia
2004
Sociology
o Eating Disorders
o Anorexia Nervosa
o Bulimia Nervosa
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Sociology Dissertations
o
o
o
o
MEL
Title
Abstract
Gender Perspective
Media
Family
Youth
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
In Search For the Underlying Truths
This study examines the main causes that lead to domestic violence and the abuses that women may be
subjected to. It places under scrutiny fourteen separate cases of such victims who had to leave their home, away
from their partner and family. This research first takes a look at the theoretical perspective regarding domestic
violence whilst focusing on the issue of maintaining a sociological approach. Personal data involving the victims
and their abusers has also been included.
The results of this study indicate that in Malta the victims’ ages vary widely, most of them do not work and are
dependent on their husband. Battered women are frequently adversely hurt by psychological violence and the
most influential factors that lead to violence were possessiveness, strong patriarchal control and jealousy. None
of the women interviewed showed that they had neglected the interest of their family. Most of the abusers were
older than their spouses, were not abused during childhood. Some of them were unemployed and they seemed to
be very possessive.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
MAF
Title
Although beneficial programs can play a part towards bringing the desired change, several cultural norms and
beliefs must be tackled in order to disrupt the cycle of violence.
Melanie Gusman
2004
Sociology
THE AIRPORT AS A STRUCTURE OF PURE MOBILITY
A Sociological Perspective
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Nadia Scicluna
2004
Sociology
Title
REASONS LEADING TO SEPARATION
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Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Abstract
Case Studies of Separated People From a Cana Movement Group
Separation and annulment have not been part of the normal organization of social life in our society until some
time ago. People used to marry for utilitarian reasons and were happy with everything. However, this situation
changed as our society became more complex. People are now marrying in order to gain their status and they
may be expecting too much from their partners. Family life is facing more problems than ever before, and this is
leading to an increase in marital breakdowns. This study is concerned with uncovering the reasons which are
leafing to separation in our society. As the problem is quite apparent, several mediation services, such as the
family court, are being established in order to try to arrange family problems before couples actually take the
last step of separating.
A Qualitative approach was used by conducting face-to-face interviews with ten people who make part of a Cana
self-help group. All the interviewees had their own story and reasons why their marriage failed and this shows
the extent of this problem in our society.
Basing itself on the literature review, from this study it was found out that the major reasons contributing to
separation are divided into two: external reasons, which are interference by in-laws and problems related to
work, and internal reasons, which are mainly lack of love, infidelity and violence, all of which lead to
disharmony.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
In view of these findings, several recommendations were suggested in the conclusion of this thesis. The most
important suggestion that needs to be implemented is to socialize children from a very young age several
important values which may help them later in life, such as, not being egoistic.
Priscilla Cutajar
2004
Sociology
Title
INTEGRATION OF REFUGEES IN MALTA
Abstract
This study examines the factors leading or hindering integration of refugees in Malta. The notion of integration
is very complex to define and to put into practice. It is also important to note that integration is not a forced act
therefore, and individual must have conscious will in order to pass through the process of integration.
Throughout the years refugees have been considered as misplaces and homeless people, deprived from policies
concerning them, especially strategies for integration. This situation caused considerable difficulty in the process
of their settlement, particularly during its early stages. However, it is suggested that the nature of these
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Sociology Dissertations
encounters contributed to strengthen the adaptability of the interviewed refugees.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Therefore, the aim of this study is to uncover the major factors that lead refugees to structural and cognitive
integration. It is also important to uncover feelings, challenges and experiences of their everyday life.
Rebecca Cachia
2004
Sociology
DAY TRIPPING TO GOZO:
A Sociological Analysis of the View of Foreign Trippers and Locals
The primary aim of this dissertation is to examine day tripping to Gozo from a sociological point of view, in the
context of the importance which day tripping has gained in Gozo’s tourist industry since the 1960’s. The main
focus of this study is to identify whether foreign day-trippers visiting in winter, are satisfied with their day trip
in Gozo. Besides this, importance is also given to the attitude of locals towards day-trippers notwithstanding the
impacts they leave on the island. The crucial parts of this dissertation are structured personal interviews
administered to Gozitans residing in an area of high day-tripper density together with questionnaires
administered to foreign day-trippers on their departure from Gozo. These are followed by an analysis of the
research results as well as a general discussion on the surveys findings.
Stephanie Grech
2004
Sociology
2003
MEL
Title
Abstract
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EARLY SOCIALIZATION:
A Comparative Analysis of a Maltese Town and a Gozitan Village
The aim of this dissertation is to create gender awareness towards the way adults, especially parents, are likely
to distinguish young children on the basis of gender, and thus treat them accordingly. Gender differences in
early childhood are common, as can be seen from various studies presented in this dissertation. Thus, the
problem should not be taken lightly since very often, early gender stereotypes are the source of gender inequality
in society. The crucial part of this dissertation is a social survey conducted in two localities, Mosta and Sannat.
The aim of this survey is to identify whether in the two localities mentioned, which are situated in different
islands, there are differences in the way adults socialize their children. This is followed by an analysis of the
research results as well as a general discussion on the survey findings.
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Sociology Dissertations
MAF
MEL
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Annette Grima
2003
Sociology
o Socialization
o Differences
o Gender
o Stereotypes
o Childhood
Title
SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN YOUTH CULTURE:
Places of Entertainment in Relation to this Practice
With every passing day, written articles about substance abuse or drug seizures are being continuously
published in local newspapers. This reveals that the drug situation in Malta is very lively and active. Very often,
youths are being mentioned in these articles. Why are youths so much related to the use of substances?
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
This dissertation examines youths and youth cultures and the relationship they have with substance abuse.
Special consideration is given to places of entertainment (discos, bars and parties), the places where generally
substances are being used and abused of. This study focuses on hedonistic reasons for drug taking and the
involvement with the practice. In addition, the author aims to discover whether there exists a truer reality
behind the claim that drug use is just a ‘pastime’. Interventions and suggestions about the drug problem in
Malta are also proposed.
Johanna Camilleri
2003
Sociology
IS MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGEISTIC?
The 1982 Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing recognised that a major aim of society should be the
elimination of any form of discrimination present in the labour market especially discrimination based on age.
Moreover, it also acknowledged that all older workers should enjoy equal access to orientation training and retraining.
Unfortunately in many cases these aims have not been reached as is manifested by the relationship between
elderly persons and employment. Thus society has to ensure that employers, employment counsellors and society
in general are educated about older workers’ capabilities. Moreover, measures should be taken to assist older
persons to return or stay in employment not only through the creation of more job opportunities but also by
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Sociology Dissertations
facilitating training or re-training and promoting life-long learning. Chronological age should never be used as
the sole judge of whether an individual is able to perform work, but the right to employment should be simply
based on one’s performance.
This dissertation investigates whether the ideas behind mandatory retirement are the result of ageistic influence
and thought. Te hypothesis of this study is that mandatory retirement is the result of the way older workers are
depicted through the construction of stereotypes, prejudices and generalisations.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
MEL
In order to test this hypothesis a sample of people aged 18 and over from the Maltese population would be taken,
that would lead to the examination of the attitudes and beliefs of the Maltese population through the use of a
structured interview. The results have indicated that people, who favour mandatory retirement, do this in the
basis of ageistic assumptions. Results also suggest that to a certain extent age, occupation and the educational
level influence the perception towards mandatory retirement. Moreover, a majority of the population under
study have indicated that once they reach retirement age they would like to continue working either with
reduced hours or else with a part-time format.
Joseph-Lynn Micallef
2003
Sociology
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS: THE SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE AS A CASE STUDY
Title
Abstract
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK
Health and safety constitute an integral part of our society and cannot be mistreated as there might be a
negative outcome of done so. The reasons why health and safety measures should be taken into account and form
part of our system vary on different grounds.
Julian Micallef
2003
Sociology
In this case, the University of Malta is studied as a microcosm of Malta’s society. If health and safety measures
with respect to smoking are taken seriously, many people would feel even safer and healthier in today’s already
polluted world. Smoking is considered as a form of air pollution that puts society’s health at risk.
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Sociology Dissertations
If there is serious practice going in at the University as regards to health and safety procedures it would be a
good example for students, lecturers and administrative staff, who would take these measures outside the
University walls. Is it just at the University of Malta that health and safety measures are ignored? Or is it part
of the Maltese culture to ignore such important matters?
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The purpose of this dissertation is to study how stress is related to gender with special reference to smoking. I
will try to find out whether, women smoke more when they are under pressure and are affected differently to
men, due to certain biological differences between the two sexes.
Lara Vella
2003
Sociology
GENDER EQUALITY:
A Comparative Study Between One-Earner and Dual-Earner Families with Dependent Children
One of the most striking changes after the Second World War is the increase in the number of families in which
the wife works outside the home, i.e. being part of the labour market. The norm had been the traditional nuclear
family, which was made up of the husband whose role was that of a breadwinner and the wife who stayed at
home with the children. But throughout recent decades there has been a rapid expansion of women’s
employment and this is becoming more widespread in various countries, including Malta.
This study seeks to verify or disprove the theory that gender equality is more visible in dual-earner families
rather than in one-earner families. Gender equality would be studied in relation to four main issues, i.e.
housework, childcare, financial management and decision taking. When compared to one-earner families, are
men in dual-earner families sharing household duties and care functions? Are they stepping out of their
traditional “work” role to be concerned with the “family”? Has the fact that woman goes out to work, meaning
that she is economic independent, give her more power as regards financial management and decision taking?
This study aims to verify or disprove another theory, that the level of gender equality is higher amongst families
living in the North than those living in the South.
Lorraine Sammut
2003
Sociology
o One Earner Families
o Dual-Earner Families
o Paid Work
o Family Responsibilities
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Sociology Dissertations
o
o
o
o
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Housework
Childcare
Financial Management
Decision Taking
YOUNG SINGLE MOTHERS
Are They a Burden to Society?
“Young Single Mothers: Are they a burden to society?” is a research study, which aims at uncovering the
following aspects:
1. The problems which unmarried mothers face in everyday life.
2. Whether they are alienated or not.
3. To analyse whether young single mothers are a burden to society.
The methodology for this study will follow the design and analysis of a questionnaire, administered personally to
ten young unmarried mothers aged 16 to 24. The analysis of the semi-structured questionnaire will examine the
three main criteria mentioned above. In order to achieve such aims, the methodology follows a qualitative
nature. This dissertation focuses only on young unmarried mothers; thus excluding widowed, separated and
divorced.
Findings show that most of the respondents are economically dependent on their family of origin and some are
also dependent on the social services provide by the Ministry for Social Policy. However most of the unmarried
mothers need both sources of income. Most of the informants have a low level of education and those who work
earn a low salary. The highest remuneration amounts to LM5000 yearly. The results also show that single
mothers who live on their own are at risk of poverty. This is because the governmental funds are not sufficient
for both the mother and her child or children. Those who live on their own are also in need of material resources.
Moreover single mothers mostly are in need of social and psychological support. Young mothers who are
constantly challenged in raising their child on their own are in great need of solidarity.
Mariella Vella
2003
Sociology
EMBRACING DIVERSITY:
Analysis of Homosexuality in the Workplace
Lesbian, gay and heterosexual people have been working together successfully since the beginning of time. In
spite of this lesbian and gay workers who decide to openly live their sexual orientation still face various
challenges and prejudices. Lesbians and gays are not expected to be public about their homosexuality due to the
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
assumption that homosexuality belongs to the private sphere. Thus they are often forced to hide their sexual
identity for fear of discrimination, harassment, or job loss. Ironically enough, their own invisibility helps to
reinforce the myth that lesbian and gay people do not exist in the workplace. A myth, which leads employers to
deny the existence of lesbian and gay workers and in turn ignore their needs. Therefore the aim of this study is
to uncover the feelings, challenges and experiences of lesbians and gays in the workplace. The researcher will
also suggest ways in which today’s diverse workforce can be acknowledged and accepted.
Roberta Scerri
2003
Sociology
ADOLESCENTS’ ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY
A Sociological Study of 14/15-Year-Olds From 4 Schools in Malta
This study researches the various activities, 14/15-year-old secondary school students, do on Saturday related to
education, leisure and work. These activities are further studied in relation to gender, parents’ occupation and
standard of education, and the adolescent’s own past academic achievements and aspirations to post-secondary
education. The aim of this exercise is to have a better picture of the way adolescents spend their free time when
they are not constrained by the timetables of the educational system.
The research approach consists of a cross-sectional survey, with questionnaires distributed to 219 form IV boys
and girls attending four General Secondary Schools in November 2002.
Findings in this study show that half the adolescent boys and girls do some kind of educational activity on
Saturday. These activities include computer/internet use, reading and homework, in this order. Only the very
few from both sexes attend private lessons. Boys surpass girls, only in computer and Internet use, activities
mostly pursued for entertainment.
With regard to leisure activities most respondents spend most of the time watching television and listening to
radio programmes mostly music. Soap operas are popular with girls while boys prefer action films and using the
playstation. In the evening, most of the 14/15-year-olds go out.
Most adolescent girls and boys help their mother on Saturday. Only the very few attend associations of groups to
do voluntary work. Girls attend dancing and music whereas boys prefer sports associations.
In view of these findings, especially with regard to the importance given to leisure on this day, it is suggested
that a policy document on education for leisure targeting adolescents’ needs is drawn up and implemented. This
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
should be beneficial to all stakeholders.
Stephanie Zarb
2003
Sociology
o Adolescents
o Gender
o Saturday
o Education Activities
o Leisure Activities
o Work Activities
MARRIED HOUSEWIVES: DO THEY HAVE ALL THE FAMILY’S RESPONSIBILITIES?
The objective of this study is to provide a sociological account of the housewife’s responsibilities at home. The
study is designed to examine the housewife’s attitudes towards her real life situation. The research method used
in this study is qualitative, based on case-studies.
This dissertation is divided into five chapters. While Chapter 1 will define housework and the women’s
perceptions to it, Chapter 2 will outline the different theories of the housewife’s responsibilities. In Chapter 3
and Chapter 4, I will analyse my research findings. Chapter 3 will concentrate on the assessment of the
housewife’s real situation. On the other hand, in Chapter 4, the women’s feelings towards their family’s
responsibilities will be presented. Finally, Chapter 5 will comprise the main findings of this study. In addition,
supplementary information relating to the interviews is provided in the appendices.
Sue Ellen Cachia
2003
Sociology
CHILD CARING: AN OBSTACLE TO THE PARTICIPATION OF MARRIED WOMEN IN THE MALTESE
LABOUR MARKET?
Introduction: The females in the labour market were studied within the sociological conceptual framework and
focus was placed on child rearing and its pressure on the mother to terminate employment.
The aims and objectives were: The elaboration of the hypothesis within the conceptual framework of the research
has been arranged in terms of six main indicators:
• The ascribed gender of the woman and the socialisation of the children.
• The traditional family and the traditional mother as well as the perception of family life in various family
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Sociology Dissertations
•
•
•
•
•
theories.
The social change that took place due to the Industrial Era and the female labour force.
The contemporary role of the women and the changing in the women’s role and her participation in the
labour market.
market The role conflict that emerge when the women is juggling work and family.
family
The pressures and the sense of guilt that emerges when being a working mother.
Child Caring and the working mother. How does childcare affect their career and life in general?
What is being done? Present and past actions and discussions taken that encourage mothers to continue
working.
Methodology: A field study was done by conducting 90 structured interviews to working women having different
educational background. These interviews were segmented in 3 clusters of women – those occupying a
professional working position, those working in semi/unskilled jobs and those solely housewives. A triangulation
of the research was done to strengthen the research by doing 10 in depth interviews. The age groups were varied
in order to provide more a clearer picture of the actual situation. A pilot study done beforehand assisted the
researcher to reconstruct the questionnaire and make adequate changes.
The researcher’s main focus of the research was to determine the respondents’ subjective opinion through their
experience.
Results: Of the all the respondents, 92.2% agree that married women should go out to work and not solely be a
housewife. 58.9% argued that the mother should stay at home and not be economically active. 72% of the
females, which do not have children yet and occupy semi/unskilled employments, agree that they will terminate
their employment when having children. Total majority of housewives 96.7% have secondary level of education.
90% of females occupying semi/unskilled occupations have secondary level of education. 86.7% of housewives and
70% of semi/unskilled think that the mother should not be economically active. 20% of professional women think
that the mother should stay at home. 60% of housewives do not consider work in the near future. 83.3% of
semi/unskilled women perceive employment as a means for financial assistance rather then self-fulfillment.
60.4% of all respondents do not agree that the father of the child can take care of the child as much as the
mother. 90.5% of the employees who are single would not terminate their employment upon marriage. 86% of
employees who are single and occupy semi/unskilled jobs would terminate their employment when having
children. 72.2% agree that most females terminate employment because of child rearing.
Suggestions offered by the respondents:
• 23.3% availability of flexible hours – 61.9% of them were coming from professional occupations
• 18.9% suggested more childcare centres
• 23.3% suggested women should work part-time – 52.4% were housewives, 42.9% were semi/unskilled
occupations
• 2.2% more opportunities
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Sociology Dissertations
•
•
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
3.3% husband participate more in child rearing
28.9% did not offer suggestions
Recommendations: the proposals that were mentioned after concluding this research included the need of more
childcare centres equipped with safety standards.
More educational courses should be organised which would assist the women who had terminated their
employment for a number of years to update her skills such as in computer skills. Furthermore, the women
should be given more information and opportunity at work such as being offered flexible hours, reduced hours
and whenever possible offering work at her home.
The need for more information about childcare centres in clearly needed since the respondents seem to have a
rather negative perspective of these centres.
Valerie Visanich
2003
Sociology
2002
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
Title
LIVING DOUBLE LIVES:
Mobility, Integration and Adaptation Among Sindhi Women Living in Malta
This dissertation is a sociological inquiry about transnationality. It gives a deep insight of the consequences and
changes that mobility brings about to Sindhi women who left their home country in order to follow their husband
in a new land with a different culture. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with Sindhi women for this
study. These interviews cover a vast range of topics related to the life of these women. The aim of this study is to
give space and voice to these women’s feelings and reasoning in relation to preparation, the transition and their
adaptation to another culture. Findings show how Sindhi women were brought up and their socialization process
in relation to the transition period. This phase is important to them as it affects their way of adapting
themselves in their role as wives in a different culture, while at the same time maintaining their identity. The
importance of this study is that although it focuses entirely on the perspective of Sindhi women in relation to the
phenomenon of transnationality, it can also be applied to other communities.
Madeline George
2002 – 2005
Sociology
A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF ABUSE
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Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Eleven Case Studies of Abused Women
The aim of this dissertation is manly to explore some aspects of the problem of abuse. This study undertakes
eleven case studies of abused women. This work first looks at different theoretical approaches but the focus is on
the sociological approach. This study looks at some personal demographics of the respondents and of the
perpetrators of abuse. However, this dissertation is specifically concerned with different forms of abuse and
possible reasons why this happens and is concentrated on those women who have opted to come forward in one
way or another to look for assistance. Due to space and time this study is limited to male-to-female abuse in an
intimate relationship. Therefore, there is no reference to abuse on children, abuse on the elderly, sibling abuse,
female-to-male abuse, female-to-female abuse in lesbian relationships and male-to-male abuse in gay
relationships. My dissertation excludes also battered women who never left their abusive husband/partner.
The results of this study show that in Malta abused women: need not necessarily be married, come from all over
Malta and Gozo, most of them do not have more than a secondary level of education, do not work and are
dependent on their husband/partner, have financial problems, were not abused in childhood, and are mostly hurt
by emotional abuse. All of them, however, live in the fear of being abused again in future. Most of the
perpetrators were not abused in childhood, do not have more than a secondary level of education, do not have
satisfying jobs, are violent not only with their wives/partners but also with family members and other persons
and engage in criminal behaviour.
Claire Muscat
2002
Sociology
CAN DISABLED PEOPLE USE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL, TO IMPROVE THEIR SOCIAL
EXCLUSION?
Disabled people have been historically considered as non-potential beings, hence a burden on the state. This
dissertation is meant to show that when disabled people are given the chance to participate and are offered the
aid to participate on equal footing, with the other members of society, they take the opportunity and exploit it,
both for their own benefit and for the benefit of society as a whole.
This dissertation focuses on how an information technology era, disabled people can be brought into equal lines
with the “normal! Members of society, with the help of technology itself. This dissertation takes into
consideration, the role of social policy in facilitating this process.
The literature review discusses a variety of themes in connection with the topic at hand. The information
gathered from fourteen interviews with disabled people, who use information technology, supports some of the
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Sociology Dissertations
theories discussed in the literature review. Since the role of the state is recognised, I conducted an interview
with Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for Social Policy.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
TURNING TO BUDDHISM
Abstract
This study is based on Durkheim’s view that religion is never completely abolished, only changed in its nature.
But Durkheim allocated only one function to religion, that of uniting people. Wilson’s concept of a ‘personal
religion’ (1982) shows how religion has progressed from serving a communal function to serving a personal
function. This study is also based on such an assumption.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
The major limitation of this dissertation is that it does not show the difference between the disabled people who
use information technology and those who do not. Its major aim is to offer a solution to all the disabled people
who would like to improve their situation, both in personal and social terms.
Cora Azzopardi
2002
Sociology
Title
Abstract
As Durkheim based himself on feelings, such as the feeling of belonging, I have also based myself on feelings, on
the feelings of my respondents. Through the life histories of the five respondents I have gathered information on
the lives and experiences of these people who have chosen to turn to Buddhism. Such experiences and feelings
have shown how they have changed their cultural religion (Durkheim) and how religion for them serves a
personal function and that they also consider religion as being an individual phenomenon and not a social one
(Wilson).
Joanne Bonello
2002
Sociology
MALTESE ‘MIGRANTS’ IN GOZO
The island of Gozo, the second largest in the Maltese archipelago, separated from Malta by a small channel, has
always been regarded as a second home by the inhabitants of the larger island Malta. However, in this
dissertation, I will go further than this and I will study a kind of internal migration whereby Maltese people
come and live permanently in Gozo. The primary aim of this dissertation is to study the patterns of these
Maltese ‘migrants’ living in Gozo. Using semi-structured personal interviews administered to a simple random
sample of 100 Maltese ‘migrants’ residing in Gozo, I will investigate the hypothesis that they come to live in Gozo
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
either because of their partner’s family ties in the Gozitan culture and / or because they themselves are attracted
by the comfortable and slower rhythm of life in Gozo. In particular this study will try to establish whether the
Maltese living in Gozo have assimilated well within the Gozitan social structure.
Josette Attard
2002
Sociology
WORKING IN THE HOTEL AND CATERING INDUSTRY:
A Sociological Analysis
The hotel and catering industry is making an increasing contribution to total employment in Malta. Its
importance can therefore hardly be doubted. The objective of this study is to provide a sociological account of
working life within the hotel and catering industry. For the purpose of this dissertation I undertook a case study
at a local four-star hotel. In my field research I focused my attention on the beverage department of this hotel.
The study was designed to examine social and behavioural traits at work, and more specifically relationships at
work. This study is an attempt at voicing some of the workers’ feelings and experiences. The research method
used in this study is qualitative, based on interviews and participant observation.
This dissertation is divided into five chapters. The first chapter introduces the sociology of work and industry,
takes a look at labour market trends, and analyses the role of the tourist sector in Malta’s economy. Chapter two
reviews the research literature dealing with the hotel and catering industry. The third chapter explains the
process and procedure of my field research, and chapter four analyses the data gained through the interviews
and participant observation. Finally chapter five, compares my findings with those of other researchers quoted in
the literature review. In addition, supplementary information relating to the interviews is provided in the
appendices.
Michelle Seguna
2002
Sociology
DOES THE MEDIA CREATE OR REJECT AN AGEISTIC IMAGE OF OLDER PERSONS?
This research focuses on the media in relation to older adults. It seeks to establish whether the media creates or
rejects an ageistic image of older adults. The researcher’s man aim is in providing a better understanding of the
underlying meanings transmitted through media.
The first chapter introduces ageing as a phenomenon by highlighting various issues related to it. This is followed
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Sociology Dissertations
by the literature review, which highlights major theoretical approaches, which have influenced the
understanding of age and ageing. The methodology, gives an overview of content analysis – the method which
was applied in this research, discussing both its quantitative techniques and qualitative aspects. Categories
considered in this study included frequency of appearance of older adults, gender, age, role, occupation, setting,
family role and product.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The final chapter is the discussion and concluding remarks following the results. It was concluded that the
media does not discriminate against certain age groups. The lack of older adults in the media suggests their
marginal societal role. Moreover, males were represented more than females. However, the researcher does not
believe that older adults are depicted in an overwhelmingly negative way.
Ruth Baldacchino
2002
Sociology
2001
MEL
MAF
MEL
Title
THE CHANGING FACE OF ORGANISED RELIGION:
Comparing Modern Religious Movements in Gozo
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Deborah Agius
2001
Sociology
Title
‘THE THIRD WAY TO PENSIONS’
Abstract
One of the most significant phenomena of the 20th century has been the dramatic increase in the proportion of
persons aged sixty and over. This means that the world is today experiencing an aging population, whereby the
population is moving from high fertility and mortality rates to low fertility and mortality rates. This study sets
out to examine the fiscal and social implications of the population aging in the context of present public pensions
arrangements, with particular reference to the major industrial countries, including Malta. Chapter 1, confirms
and presents statistical evidence provided by Janet H. Clark (1994) and the World Bank (1994), that under the
existing public pension arrangements, which rely on PAYG schemes, the aging of the population has started to
contribute to serious fiscal stress in most of the major industrial countries, and that these are likely to get much
worst over the next few decades in the absence of appropriate reforms. Despite to some critics such as Dean
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Sociology Dissertations
Baker, Mark Weisbrot and Phil Mullan (2000), who retain that this crisis is only an invention of people with
personal interests in private schemes, there is the general agreement that pensions’ crisis is real and the public
pensions schemes should be reformed.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Fortunately, there is still a window of opportunity for most of the industrial countries, as full impact of aging
problem is not likely to be felt another 15 years or so. This means that there is still time to reform. In fact much
of the countries referred to in Chapter 2, have already taken this path. Yet the reforms being suggested or
adopted are very often too much oriented towards solving fiscal perplexities. They hardly measure or consider
the impact they are to leave on society. This is where the ‘third way’ (Lawrence, 1988 and Giddens, 1998) comes
in. This is a new way in politics that goes beyond left and right and attempts to satisfy social needs more than
suggesting fiscal reforms. Whilst proposing pension reforms, the ‘third way’ would be aware that pensions issues
stretch mute broadly than the question of who should pay at what level and by what means. In a world that is
less concerned with economic growth and consumerism and more interested in the possibility of having freedom
of expression, social autonomy and a better quality of life (Inglehart, 1990), governments should not limit
themselves to reform the system only economically. This applies also for the local situation, discussed in Chapter
3. From a document analysis of the two major reports published recently about pension reforms in Malta – the
Interim and the GWU Report. And two interviews with Dr. L. Gonzi and Mr. M. Cutajar – it resulted in Chapter
4 & 5, that Maltese reformers (especially the GWU) stand far from adopting the ‘third way’ and like the rest of
the world focus more on fiscal reforms rather than on satisfying social desires. Perhaps, this happens because in
Malta the economic development still places as a priority for both the government and the population. Moreover
the innate political polarization within the Maltese character makes it more difficult to accept fully the ‘third
way’. Hence in conclusion, I chose to come out with possible solutions that could accomplish both what the
Maltese government, in particular, is after and some of the ‘third way’ proposals. In other words, in this study I
tried to flex the ‘third way’ to accommodate our local needs and trends!!
Elaine Apap
2001
Sociology
THE MADONNA AND THE GODDESS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS
PILGRIMAGES ON THE ISLAND OF GOZO
The study of pilgrimage in contemporary society raises themes that are as relevant to the sociology of tourism as
they are to that of religion. The research presented in this thesis was carried out in terms of a theoretical
hypothesis that highlighted the importance of a comparative and contextual approach to the study of
pilgrimages. This approach pays attention to the differences between various types of pilgrimages and uses these
differences as a means to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between differing religious
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Sociology Dissertations
beliefs/rituals and the various social groups that participate in them. Particular stress is also laid on the manner
in which underlying power-relations structure the encounter between tourists and locals. It is argued that
studies of such tourist/local interaction give an added dimension to our understanding of pilgrimage in
Mediterranean societies.
This approach is here applied to the study of various pilgrimages, which have the island of Gozo as their
ultimate destination. In particular, attention is focused on two sites: Ta’ Pinu and Ggantija. While the former is
often locally perceived as a world-renowned pilgrimage site, it is hardly known outside the Maltese islands. By
contrast, Ggantija is not locally regarded as having a deep religious significance; yet members of the
international Goddess movement, who organise regular excursions to it, consider it as a sacred place. By means
of careful sociological investigation, it is shown how Ta’ Pinu us actually the focus of three, analytically distinct,
pilgrimages’ each of which tells us a lot about the particular social group that engages in it. thus, the Gozitan
pilgrimage reflects the continued importance of traditional family-centred culture, Catholic religious beliefs and
local pride and identity. The Maltese pilgrimage reveals an effort to create a pilgrimage in a society where
geographical and social distance is a scarce commodity. Most significant of all is the tourist “pilgrimage” to Ta’
Pinu, which shows how Gozitans attempt to script tourists as pilgrims while the latter resist these attempts and
strive to construct a detached tourist identity, which sees local culture as a spectacle. A radical contrast is
provided by the Goddess pilgrims to Ggantija, who construct their pilgrimage in the face of the distrust and
indifference of the locals. The pilgrimage conducted by the Goddess devotees reflects an emphasis on self-healing
and empowerment, which reflects characteristic traits of other New Age religious movements, while refusing to
acknowledge a source of sacred power located in a being external to the self.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Having explored the differences between these pilgrimages, I then conclude by reflecting on the relationship
between the various social groups involved and how this informs us on the nature of Gozitan society and the
interactions between Gozitans and the external world.
Josienne Vella
2001
Sociology
DRUG ABUSE AS A CAREER
This dissertation explores the drug abuse career of a sample of Maltese drug abusers. Here the concept of career
is being used to investigate the development of their abuse. The main theoretical approaches that inform this
study are the symbolic interactionist and labelling approaches characterized by the work of Becker and Lemert
and the social learning approach characterized by the work of Sutherland. Through the use of qualitative
research methods of data collection, the empirical work focuses on the search for contingencies that make the
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
Title
Abstract
initiation, escalation and desistance phases in drug using career, more of less possible. This dissertation seeks to
understand the implications of societal reaction from the family, local community and from the formal agents of
control, the role of differential association, social learning, and commitment to drug abuse and changes in the
self-concept as influences for the development of a career of drug abuse. Different contingencies were identified
as contributing to the progression of the career that operate to different degrees in the different career patterns
identified.
Karen Demicoli
2001
Sociology
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT IN GOZO
Resident Attitudes and Reactions
The primary aim of this dissertation is to examine the premise of there being an inverse relationship between
the level of tourist development in Gozo and the perceived impacts for the worse on the economic, environmental
and socio-cultural status of the host community. Using structured personal interviews administered to Gozitans
residing in areas of high and low tourist density and development, I will investigate the contention that the
areas that are obliged to enter into intensive contact with tourists will exhibit growing hostility and resistance
whereas those relatively secluded from the “invading hordes” still hold welcoming and cordial attitudes. The
findings of this research do not confirm the above hypothesis: the residents who are most exposed to tourists
have a more positive perception of the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural impacts of tourist
development in Gozo than the residents who are sheltered from tourist attention. I propose that residents’
attitudes to tourism are not only influenced by the level of exposure to tourism, but also by such factors as the
residents’ extent of adherence to a traditional mode of life, their educational achievement, and extent of holiday
travel engaged in by the residents.
Mariella Attard
2001
Sociology
SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT OF GOZO:
The Perceptions and Concerns of Three Localities
Environmental Sociology has much to contribute to our understanding of the environment, and many prominent
theorists in Sociology have emphasised that ecological issues are social issues as well. The environment concerns
each and every one of us. We are all faced with environmental pollution in most aspects of our day to day living.
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Sociology Dissertations
The environment in the Maltese Islands has been neglected for far too long, and now pressure is being made by
residents of Malta and Gozo, as well as by international bodies, for action to be taken. There is an urgent need
for sustainable development to be put into action. The dominant issue concerning the Maltese Islands today is
that of waste management. Current trends in waste disposal have been recognised to be unsustainable, and a
waste management plan has been drawn up. There is still a lot of work to be done in the waste field, and for any
sustainable policy to be successful it first requires careful planning and consideration. There is a strong need for
environmental education, and this needs to be the first step. People in the Maltese Islands need to become fully
aware of the harm being done to the environment due to current trends in waste disposal. They will not support
a policy aimed at solving what they do not perceive to be a problem.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
This study is focused on three localities in Gozo. Apart from giving an overview of the waste management issue
in Malta and also on the European level, this study attempts to voice peoples’ attitudes and concerns, and to
reveal what action they agree with and are willing to take. It was found that people are concerned about their
environment, and that they are demanding better environmental standards. The environmental problems
existing in the Maltese Islands can be overcome, but only with careful planning and collective action by all
societal groups.
Michelle Muscat
2001
Sociology
THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS VALUES ON THE MARITAL BOND IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS
Malta has always been a conservative society with strong moral values that were strengthened by the Church
and these values were passed from one generation to the next through the family. our Christian values have
been the backbone of the Maltese family for a long time now. Nowadays, however, these values seem only an
extension of our daily lives. It seems as if religion is not playing an important role in our lives as it did for the
past generations.
The channelling of new ideas and morals through the media has had its toll in the Maltese Islands. New ideas
such as self-satisfaction and individualism are starting to replace values of sacrifice and altruism.
Author
What seems to come out of the study is that religion did indeed loose some of the influence it had on the Maltese
people. However, this does not mean that today people do not have time for God. People are increasingly
considering religion as only having influence on just particular areas of their life. Religion is becoming more of a
spiritual guidance, which does not necessarily enter all spheres of our lives.
Sharon Seychell
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Sociology Dissertations
Date
Subject
Keywords
2001
Sociology
2000
MEL
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
WORKERS THAT DO NOT JOIN TRADE UNIONS... WHY?
Title
WOMEN AND TRADE UNIONS
A Sociological Perspective
In spite of the continuous active role of women in the labour market and an increase of female labour supply in
several countries, women trade union membership is still low when compared to that of men. Furthermore
women seldom hold important decision-making posts within trade unions.
Abstract
Rebecca M. Gatt
2000 – 2003
Sociology
The scope of this study is to give a sociological account of the reasons and barriers tied to women trade union
membership and participation. Apart from giving information about women trade union membership in various
countries, the study focuses in Maltese women and their participation in trade unions. This information is
supplemented by a survey consisting of questionnaires distributed to randomly selected Maltese speaking
females who have different occupations and a number of focused interviews with women occupying decisionmaking posts within a selected number of unions.
This dissertation is divided into five chapters. The 1st chapter gives an outline of the history of trade unions in
Malta since the 19th century and Maltese women trade union participation throughout the years. Chapter two
gives an analysis of statistics about women trade union membership in various countries, the number of women
occupying top posts within the trade unions and women friendly structures that are being included in trade
unions. The third chapter deals with the reasons and barriers tied to women trade union participation. These are
classified into three main groups: work related, union related and cultural-societal-personal factors. Chapter four
analyses the data collected by the questionnaire and the information received from the focused interviews.
Finally the conclusion sums up the research findings and compares them with the information gathered in the
previous chapters. In addition several appendices relating to the questionnaire and the focused interviews are
supplemented.
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Sociology Dissertations
MAF
JAM
MEL
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Antonella Borg
2000
Sociology
Title
HOUSING AND LONE MOTHERS
A Study of Housing Authority Issues 1996-1999
Abstract
This study focuses on some aspects of housing policy. It first takes a comparative glance at some policies in
different countries. The notion of globalization is becoming an ever-increasing reality and thus it is important to
view the historical and political reasons that have shaped various policies across the globe.
The central focus of this study is women and more specifically lone mothers. Chapter 2 thus looks at the
structures that have shaped much of social policy. These come in the guise of the patriarchal division of labour
and the family wage, two aspects that have meant that women have traditionally been excluded from the labour
market.
Chapter 3 analyzes the six latest schemes, referred to as ‘issues’, offered by the Housing Authority. I had long
thought about the best way to locate the problems associated with distribution. I had originally thought of
carrying out in-depth interviews with potential clients of the Housing Authority. Later, however, I thought that
a better way would be to analyze some of the large amount of already existing data. I also included some data
that has not been published yet but was made available to me by the Authority. This data is particularly
indicative of the fact that lone parents fare worse than any other category. The tables indicate the number of
applicants for each issue, the number of units allocated and more importantly, the number of units that would
have been allocated had the Authority not devised its system of categories. The results clearly show that lone
parents, the majority of whom are women, are not benefitting from such a system.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
MEL
The final chapter includes recommendations and suggestions for the system to have more distributive justice.
Gillian Bonnici
2000
Sociology
Title
PRIVATISATION AND THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF NEW LABOUR
Abstract
This study analyses the history of privatisation in Malta in terms of discursive practices. The policies of
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
MEL
nationalisation undertaken by Mintoff’s government are taken as the starting point for the proliferation of
discourses that finally led to the dominance of the discourse of the private from the mid eighties onwards, and to
the institutionalisation of New Labour. The theory of the social construction of reality is used to analyse the
techniques of legitimation, objectivation and reification of policies and concepts such as globalisation, efficiency,
private rights and privatisation, as well as the institutionalisation of New Labour itself and the de-reification of
Old Labour. A post-structuralist historical approach from the Foucauldian perspective is adopted to analyse the
shifts in discourse at particular moments. Foucault’s “repressive hypothesis”, “the speaker’s benefit” and his
positive definition of power are also used to explain the rise of one discourse over another, namely the discourse
of the private over the discourse of the public. The study concludes with an analysis of the present hegemonic
situation, in which the discourse of the private is at its peak but with little competition whatsoever from other
potentially critical discourses.
Karl Schembri
2000
Sociology
Title
RELIGION IN MALTA: FUNCTIONAL TO SOCIETY OR TO THE INDIVIDUAL?
Abstract
Religion has often been a principle focus of sociological discourse, especially in attempting to analyse society. It
has been adopted as a subject matter for investigation by an innumerable number of sociologists and was for
many a recurrent or consistent focus.
The dawn of man as a hunter-gatherer saw the beginnings of an ability to communicate through language and
an increase in the complexity of the social structure. Evidence of religious beliefs, ritual behaviour and artistic
expression date back to this time.
The larger part of Classical and Modern sociology of religion concerns itself with the connection between social
organisation and religion since the complexity of social organisation seems to have proceeded at the rate at
which religious complexity developed. Much sociological writings argue that religion must be seen in teleological
terms: society requires certain social structures or institutions to reach certain ends. Thus society creates or
causes to be created such institutions or structures. This relates to religion in that a few sociologists content that
religion is required for society to reach achieve certain goals and therefore cause it to exist and persist.
“If religion has given birth to all that is essential in society, it is because the idea of society is the soul of
religion.” – Bellah, 1973, p. 191 excerpt from The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life (1912).
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Sociology Dissertations
MEL
JAM
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Marcus Lauri
2000
Sociology
Title
THE MALTESE TOURISTS IN TIMES OF CHANGE
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Natasha Barbara
2000
Sociology
1999
MAF
JAM
Title
“GENDER INEQUALITIES IN EDUCATION”
Abstract
Education is simply one aspect of socialisation. It involves the acquisition of knowledge and the learning of skills.
The role of education is therefore a crucial one. Young generations of individuals need to be trained and educated
for society to function normally, since it is the young generations that will become the future citizens of society.
Inequalities present in or produced by the educational system have always been a main issue, and the gender
inequalities in education have been the focus of much discourse. Some argue that inequalities between the two
sexes are generated by the system itself. Some argue that the system needs to provide a work force with a high
division of labour, and therefore trains individual to accept certain inequalities. Others argue that inequalities
are created and pertained by teachers themselves, while others attribute much of the inequalities to parents
themselves. Schools have become very much certificate oriented and children, as early as primary schools, are
being taught how to pass exams. Children who do not pass to Junior Lyceum are many a time declared a failure,
and the child retreats him / herself and assumes that he / she is a failure.
In this dissertation, the views of the functionalists Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, together with the
Marxist views of Karl Marx, Freidrich Engels and those of modern conflict theorists are discussed. Other
perspectives discussed, are the Liberal Feminism, Marxist and Socialist feminism and Radical feminism. The
role of education and its effects on social change and effects of social change on education are also discussed. A
statistical profile on Maltese education is presented in Chapter 4, and a case study of a traditional Maltese
village, Safi, which is situated in the south of Malta, has been conducted.
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Sociology Dissertations
MAF
JAM
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Anthony Montebello
1999
Sociology
Title
ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH EDUCATION:
A Common Culture of Maltese Adolscents?
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
Title
Abstract
Josephine Mifsud
1999
Sociology
THE CHANGES IN THE MALTESE POLITICAL CULTURE
The causes which led to the emergence of a political culture in Malta are various. National identity played an
important part in uniting the political parties and mobilising them into action to obtain democracy.
After describing different theories concerning social change and culture, an attempt is made to understand
particular historical events. The granting of a constitution in the 1920s led to the emergence of the first political
parties and a fragmented political culture.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
JAM
It will be argued that through the use of different political ideologies, there have been rapid changes in the
political and cultural sphere. These have led to the emergence of a political integrated culture. This was a major
change, because in the past, the Maltese had always fought against each other. This unification brought about
the formation of the Maltese Nation.
Therese Sciberras
1999
Sociology
Title
JUST FOR WAGES?
Working Life in a Textile Factory
Abstract
The research problem dealt with in this dissertation concerns the orientation to work of Maltese textile factory
workers. The hypothesis analyzed in this work is that Maltese textile factory workers have an instrumental
orientation to work. It is also suggested that this instrumental orientation is an effect of alienation.
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Sociology Dissertations
The theoretical framework of this study refers to both “Marxian” and “Weberian” sociology. Accordingly, while
this study focuses on Marx’s insights on the phenomena of alienation, a consideration of Goldthorpe and
Lockwood’s concept of instrumental orientation to work is also made. In more concrete terms, the concept of
alienation was operationalized in the light of Blauner’s seminal work Alienation and Freedom (1964). This study
also gives weight to the works of two distinguished Maltese sociologists, namely Professor Edward L. Zammit
and Dr. Anthony M. Abela.
The methodological techniques adopted in this study were (1) a questionnaire which was administered to a
sample of shopfloor workers in a factory producing schoolbags, pencil-cases, and school accessories, and (2) a
number of interviews with learned personalities.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
This dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter one represents an introduction to what follows by making
a critical analyses of changing world of work, the state of Malta’s economy, and the role of the textile industry in
the development of Malta. Chapter two gives a wide literature review of the concepts of alienation and
instrumental orientation to work. Chapter three describes the methodological techniques used in this study.
Chapter four is an analysis of the data collected by the questionnaire. Finally, chapter five makes a concluding
synthesis of the outcomes of this dissertation. In addition to this material, several appendices relating to the
questionnaire and the transcripts of the interviews are supplemented.
Victor Aquilina
1999
Sociology
1998
MAF
JAM
MEL
Title
STATE/POWER: HILTONOPOLY
Abstract
This dissertation deals with the relationship between the State and land developers with reference to the
development of the Hilton Redevelopment Project in Malta.
The study will show how the State and the land developers formed part of a power bloc through which both stood
to gain from the exploitation of land. The State benefited through the generation of economic growth, while the
land developers legitimated their material gain through the State Apparatus.
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Sociology Dissertations
The research methodology used in this dissertation is a historical one, based on documentary research and
fieldwork.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
JAM
The dissertation uses a neo-Marxist class-centric theoretical approach, with reference to the development of
capitalism in Malta in general and the Hilton Redevelopment Project in particular.
Michael Briguglio
1998
Sociology
MALTESE MANAGEMENT CULTURE
A Case Study of a Public Limited Company Applying a Grounded Theory Approach
The management culture of a public limited company was explored applying a grounded theory approach. This
case consisted of five General Managers as participants, as well as, two senior executives who acted as
‘respondent validators’. Each participant was interviewed on two occasions. Twenty nine open codes emerged
and provided the foundation for five axial codes. The resulting fragmentation of the axial codes generated an
analysis of the symbols, rituals and values of the management culture in practice. It was proposed that Maltese
management culture is a hybrid of traditional Maltese work orientations and traditional Western management
thought. Moreover Maltese management culture lends itself to the creation of detached in-groups. At a
generalised level Maltese managers tend to be status seekers. Further research is suggested into organisational
subcultures vis-a-vis the management culture in use and into the effects of such a management culture on the
development of an organisation.
Rupert Mifsud
1998
Sociology
Title
MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN, MARRIAGE FAILURE AND DIVORCE
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Svetlana Pace
1998
Sociology
1997
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Sociology Dissertations
JAM
Title
Abstract
‘THE PLEASURE FACTORY’
A Study of Commercial Leisure Among Contemporary Maltese Youth
The amount of leisure time available to young people, and how they use it, are important factors in personality
development. Availability and use of leisure time are a central aspect of contemporary youth in the Maltese
islands. For Maltese youth, leisure time has become a primary indicator of quality life, and a sphere free from
the values and he normative demands of society. Moreover, there is a general preoccupation that some leisure
patterns among youth are not serving to their education and development towards maturity. On the contrary,
some believe that this type of leisure might also be hazardous to their health on both physical and psychological
levels.
Indeed, the leisure industry plays no small part in the supply of leisure. However, it seems to be obvious (in
Malta) that youths are channelled, or themselves stream into distinct patterns in their leisure activities.
Circumstances may arise independently of youth’s volition which prevents them from picking and choosing
particular venues. In fact, one of the main arguments in this work, refers to the implementation of the R.O.A.R.
(Right of Admission Reserved) Principle by some clubs, which excludes particular categories of youth from
having access to the particular venues. Indeed, this is where the theory of the ‘three Categories and Exceptions’
of Maltese Youth culture, come into being in this work.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
Title
Abstract
Therefore, it follows that one has to identify the different youth categories, together with: the criteria of Why?
and How? Their leisure activities are selected. In this analysis of youth culture in Malta, one can come to the
conclusion of how the leisure industry is influenced by youth culture, and in turn, of how the former markets to
its clients’ satisfaction. In observing the leisure patterns, I concluded that leisure is not a distinct institution, but
it is rather subject to change and is affected by youth culture.
Bernard A. Zarb
1997
Sociology
PREJUDICE IN MALTESE NOVELS
A Sociological Analysis
Appling a qualitative content-analysis methodology, this dissertation provides a sociological attempt to prove a
hypothetical assumption that the basis for prejudice in Malta towards the outsider emerges from four main
factors; the strong Catholic tradition within the island, the historical heritage, class distinctions and the low
levels of education.
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Sociology Dissertations
The theoretical part of the present dissertation embraces a major theory regarding the nature of prejudice, its
origins and the main factors that contribute to the development of such phenomena. Basically, it defines
prejudice as a negative orientation which besets so many societies in the world and which is directed towards a
social group or a perceived member of that group. Since eight novels taken from Maltese literature (covering a
sixty-year period between 1889 and 1950) were used to prove the above mentioned hypothesis, it was necessary
to include a theoretical perspective about the relationship between literature and society. However, this work is
in no way another contribution to the sociology of literature: it only makes use of literature since the latter often
mirrors social relations and social structure of an given community. The main concern behind this work is the
basis of prejudice in Malta, which often results in a series of hostile intergroup relations.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
Title
Abstract
The sociological analysis reveals that the hypothesis holds true. By way of conclusion, it was argued that
although the process of post-war secularization in Malta allowed space for changes to occur, both in the factors at
the basis of prejudice and also in the targets towards which such prejudices are directed, on the other hand, the
phenomenon of prejudice towards the outsider remains essentially ingrained within the Maltese society.
Denise Camilleri
1997
Sociology
11 YEARS AFTER...
THE FAMILY’S INFLUENCE ON THE PROCESS OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ATTAINMENT AND
OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY
The family environment is viewed as a key factor influencing the individual’s process of socioeconomic status
attainment and subsequent occupational mobility.
This hypotheses was tested on a group of 56 male ‘average achievers’ who 11 years ago were fifth formers at the
“Liceo Vassalli” (Junior Lyceum ‘Tal-Handaq’ – scholastic year 1985/ 86). Once educational attainment at
secondary level was held constant, this 11 year process of socioeconomic status attainment and occupational
mobility was analysed and reconstructed through ‘path analysis’.
Results confirmed that the family environment influenced considerably the socioeconomic status’ variables, i.e.,
current occupational prestige, current income and level of educational attainment. However socioeconomic status
was mainly predicted by the respondent’s occupation.
The sample was generally upwardly mobile; 12% had experienced ‘perfect upward mobility’, having moved up
from the working class to the service class. Most respondents opted for occupations which were higher up the
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Sociology Dissertations
social scale, but similar to their fathers’ occupations. Occupational mobility was predicted mainly by the level of
education attained. In fact 90% of the ‘average achievers’ had continued studying.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Thus the aspirations of the working class students (70% of the sample) materialised themselves through the
schooling opportunities created with the setting up of the ‘Tal-Handaq’ Junior Lyceum.
Franco Aloisio
1997
Sociology
1996
JAM
Title
Abstract
POLITICAL MOBILISATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE: DOM MINTOFF’S ROLE IN POST-WAR MALTA
The causes which have accelerated the process of social change in post-war Malta are various. Political
leadership played no small part in drilling in new ideas and mobilising the masses into action to obtain a
new social order.
After describing different theories of social change and political mobilisation, an attempt is made to
analyse and understand particular historical events. The conditions of obtaining in post-war Malta were
conductive to the emergence of a context which made the development of a charismatic style of leadership
possible.
It will be argued that this charismatic type of leadership was a main agent of change and that to affect this
change a two-pronged strategy was adopted: the creation of a millenarian milieu and the political
mobilisation of the masses. This was a major break since the Maltese had not hitherto been accustomed to
a strong local leadership, because since time immemorial they had relied on decisions taken by foreign
powers.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The focus is on Dom Mintoff’s leadership which was instrumental in breaking the established normative
order and in declaring this break to be morally legitimate. It will also be argued that the masses were
mobilised – through a millenarian promise and charismatic leadership – into an effective political force and
were thus capable of affecting social change.
Helena Dalli
1996
Sociology
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Sociology Dissertations
JAM
Title
Abstract
TOURIST MOTIVATIONS, SATISFACTION AND LEISURE PATTERNS
A Case Study of Tourism in Gozo
In this dissertation, in the context of the importance which leisure and tourism gained in the twentieth century,
especially since the post second world war period, tourist motivations, satisfaction and leisure patterns are
analysed against Gozo’s tourist product. The data war primarily obtained through questionnaires and personal
interviews.
It is argued that the choice of a tourist destination depends primarily on the tourists’ more general motive for
taking a holiday. Another major finding is that while on holiday, tourists exhibit some changes in their leisure
patterns. This implies that travelling to a foreign place is characterised by a search for something different.
Another observation is that the tourists’ profile has little or no effect on leisure patterns at the destination,
instead these patterns depend on the destination’s major attractions and leisure amenities.
A further consideration is that tourist satisfaction is the outcome of the tourist product at the destination, the
tourists’ expectations and the adaptive behaviour of tourists. The high level of satisfaction achieved by the
tourists and the hospitality offered by the Gozitans indicate that, in Gozo, there is a ‘consonance’ between
‘guests’ and ‘hosts’.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
JAM
This study concludes that tourists visiting Gozo are in search of a specific type of relaxation, namely a quiet
natural environment, and that they also show a special interest in Gozo’s culture. Any change in these
characteristics will have a negative effect on tourism.
Mariella DeBono
1996
Sociology
Title
SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF HIV AND AIDS
Abstract
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which may lead to the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) is a new, fatal and incurable disease. Infected persons suffer both physically and socially. This disease is
also closely related to sexual activity.
At first, the “plague” was considered to be a gay disease and heterosexuals seemed to be protected from it. But in
due time the world began to realise that homosexuals donated blood, lived a dull sexual life sometimes with both
sexes, and therefore they were putting other people’s lives at risk. Infected blood products have almost decreased
due to screening and testing of blood.
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Sociology Dissertations
This study reports in a sociological perspective the people’s attitudes towards HIV and AIDS patients. This
research focused on the changing spiritually of an HIV positive person, and the caring attitudes of Churchattending persons. The former becomes very vulnerable to other people’s reactions. The study reports the lived
experiences of a Maltese HIV positive person. The main source of information was achieved through the
administration of a semi-structured interview. The case study of the attitudes, feelings and behaviour of Maltese
HIV positive male compares favourably with findings from studies of infected persons in other countries.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The study concludes that HIV positive persons are human beings in need of love and acceptance in society. HIV
and AIDS positive persons are not only suffering from a physical and painful disease but are being put under
emotional stress. People in society are expected to help ameliorate the remaining few months or years of
HIV/AIDS sufferers. This should not be done only in a medical way but also socially.
Ruth Camilleri
1996
Sociology
1995
JAM
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MARRIED WOMEN IN FULL-TIME, PROFESSIONAL AND SKILLED OCCUPATIONS IN MALTA
The following dissertation shall focus on the subject of married working women in the labour market in Malta.
These women are occupied in the medical profession, in architecture, teaching and banking. Two women for each
occupation have been selected to approach this phenomenon from the Life Cycle perspective. Therefore, there are
four young women between 25 and 30 years of age. Four older women whose age varies between 42 and 58
comprise the older age category. In addition to this, feminist literature has been sued to assist the interpretation
of the data collected. A qualitative research method was used to investigate the views and experiences of the
women in question. The data is derived from the language embedded within the informants’ definition of their
situation. This situated vocabulary acts as an indicator of the various dynamic elements that make up this
phenomenon. The findings in this research convey that women and men are still trying to find the ‘right’ balance
between family and work. They also emphasize that this issue is extremely complicated. Yet, it most definitely
deals with the economic superstructure, the interaction between men and women within the domestic and public
modes of production and the woman’s life cycle.
Anna Zammit
1995
Sociology
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Sociology Dissertations
MAF
MEL
MAF
PJT
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Daniel Ellul Sullivan
1995
Sociology
Title
FACTORS INFLUENCING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN MALTA
Abstract
Political systems are a universal phenomenon. In all societies, there is a political system, whether simple or
complex, which regulates the relationships within that society. All the members of society come in contact with
this system and interact with it. However, not all members engage in the political system and interact with it.
However, not all members engage in the political system to the same degree.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
AN INDUCTIVE APPROACH TO SOCIAL CLASS ANALYSIS IN CONTEMPORARY MALTA:
A Case Study
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
In this study, after describing the different levels of political participation, an attempt is made to discover what
are the possible factors that lead to high levels of political participation. This was done through a survey which
was conducted amongst Maltese Members of Parliament, as Malta’s most politically active group. The aim of this
survey was to find out whether there are common characteristics between these Members of Parliament and
which were influential in their level of participation in politics.
Lorna Sciberras
1995
Sociology
PERCEPTIONS OF CLASS AMONG UNIVERISTY STUDENTS
Noel Chircop
1995
Sociology
1994
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Sociology Dissertations
MAF
MEL
PJT
Title
THE ELDERLY AS A RESOURCE
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Saviour Formosa
1994
Sociology
M.A. Qualifying
2003
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
THE CULTURE OF LOYALTY
A Sociological Investigation of Hospitality Practices
This dissertation focuses on practices targeted at the achievement of excellence and efficiency within
organisations. All types of organisations, whether profitable, voluntary or institutional are characterised by aims
and goals. Yet organisations are made up of different individuals. These individuals have specific roles within
the organisation that are contributing to the organisation’s benefit. Nonetheless, to a certain extent, human
beings will always differ from each other in some way or another. Such differences might obstruct the
achievement of organisational goals. Management style has a principal part in this, in terms of how the
particular organisation succeeds in fulfilling its purposes, in spite of the possible diversity of interests of its
members. As a result, the management of any organisation adopts mechanisms and practices that give direction
in the daily running of the organisation, and that are aimed at the achievement of organisational goals.
The central hypothesis of this dissertation is that one way to reconcile individual and organisational interests in
an efficient and long-term manner is by socialising members into a culture of loyalty. The concept of culture fives
a sense of belonging, and therefore the members internalise, through the socialisation proves, the same
objectives of the organisation. The element of loyalty is important in terms of how much the members stick to
these objectives, for how long and to what extent. The concept of culture also implies an element of transmission
of values, norms and practices (amongst other cultural components). This is important for the organisation’s
survival, in that it does not depend on particular incumbents of positions, but on loyalty towards the
organisation in generic terms.
This hypothesis is tested within the hospitality industry, particularly within a local five star resort. Both the
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
management style and the response of individual members to management techniques are taken in analysis so
as to evaluate the degree of coherence between the two. Such coherence would reveal adherence to something
that foes beyond individuals involved at all levels of an organisation, both managerial and non-managerial. In
other words, the reconciliation of individual interests and a common focus on organisational goals prove the
internalisation of a culture of loyalty towards the organisation. As a result, the excellence and efficiency of the
organisation are enhanced.
Maria Brown
2003
Sociology
M.A.
2011
MEL
PJT
Title
SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF ELDERLY PERSONS IN GOZO
Abstract
Social capital, from a network-based approach, refers to the networks of social relations. Social networks are key
mechanisms that facilitate access to social resources. One resource, fundamental to human nature, is social
support. Social support, as a derivative of social capital, is believed to promote better health conditions and
general well-being. A large multidisciplinary literature has highlighted how social support within network
relations serves to buffer individuals from stressful outcomes.
This dissertation examines the relationship between the levels of social capital, stress, and social support among
family caregivers of dependent older persons in Gozo by analysing whether high levels of social capital contribute
to low levels of stress. This study was achieved using the qualitative, intrinsic case study method, whereby data
was collected by means of in-depth interviews with family caregivers of older dependent persons. Interviews with
older persons receiving informal care and with representatives of formal support services, such as
representatives of the Department for Customer Services, the Social Security Department, and from NonGovernmental Organisations that work with older persons in Gozo, were also carried out in order to further
understand the experiences of family caregivers.
Author
This study strongly supports the relationship between social capital, stress, and social support. The main
conclusion that emerged from the general data collection was that family caregivers surrounded by high levels of
formal and informal social capital and social support experience low levels of stress in their caregiving.
Natalie Haber
90
Sociology Dissertations
Date
Subject
Keywords
2011
Sociology
2009
MEL
Title
Abstract
WOMEN IN THE MEDIA:
The Technical Sector
Many people believe that women are more likely to be found in front of the cameras presenting a programme,
rather than behind the cameras controlling the programme. The term ‘back-stage women’ has become a recent
phenomenon, something which up till some time ago has rarely been heard of.
Although women in Malta have entered with success the back-stage field of the Maltese television industry,
unfortunately they are still in a minority. The number of men in all departments within the media industry
outnumber by far, the number of women within the same departments. Even in the so-called female oriented
departments, like the sales and clerical departments, the presence of men far surpasses that of women in the
Maltese media industry.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
This was clearly revealed when a qualitative research was conducted with both the heads of the Maltese media
industry’s technical departments as well as with technical female staff working within a number of Maltese
television stations. During the interviews with the two sets of respondents, various topics which are relevant to
today’s media industry were covered. Such topics included: work assignments, women’s relationship with their
employers and with their male colleagues, qualifications, training, and work-life balance among others. the data
elicited from the two sets of data was used to formulate a grounded theory. Some recommendations were also
included to facilitate the entry of more women in this sector of the media industry.
Claudia Sciberras
2009
Sociology
SOCIAL POLICY AND MOTHERS IN COHABITATION IN MALTA
A Sociological Investigation of Needs and Discursive Constructs
The aim of this research is to analyse whether the needs that mothers in cohabitation claim to have are real
needs or discursive constructs. Hence importance is given to both social policy and the law in Malta.
In order to conduct this research the qualitative method was used. In fact, twenty-five in-depth semi-structured
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Sociology Dissertations
face-to-face interviews were conducted with different informants. Sixteen of the above-mentioned informants
include mothers in cohabitation in Malta. Furthermore, in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were
also conducted with nine experts on the subject under study. In order to find such participants two types of
sampling techniques were used. Snowball Sampling was used in order to select the mothers in cohabitation to be
interviewed for this research. Nine of the mothers in cohabitation chosen for this research perform paid
employment whilst the other seven mothers in cohabitation interviewed do not. Convenience Sampling was used
for elite interviewing.
To this end three different discourses on the needs of mothers in cohabitation emerged, namely the ‘Catholic
Church discourse’, the ‘administrative discourse’, and the ‘discourse of the mothers in cohabitation’. All the
participants claimed that there is a difference between material needs and legal and social needs. Speaking of
material needs. All the informants claimed that, just because one lives in cohabitation it does not mean that
there are more material needs than in the absence of cohabitation. In fact material needs depend on two main
aspects: the relationship between the partners in the cohabiting relationship and the economic situation of
women within the relationship. Here the difference is not between cohabiting mothers and married mothers but
between employed and unemployed mothers.
MAF
MEL
PJT
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
However, when it comes to legal and social needs, all the informants claimed that mothers in cohabitation do
have different needs than married mothers. This is mainly due to two reasons: first of all cohabitation is not
legally regulated in Malta, and secondly, since the majority of the people in Malta consider the married
heterosexual couple as the norm, cohabiting couples have to be more socially resilient.
Delia Inguanez
2009
Sociology
o Social Policy in Malta
o Family
o Cohabitation in Malta
o Real Needs
o Discursive Constructs
Title
ASSIMILATION OF LEGAL NIGERIAN IMMIGRANTS IN MALTESE SOCIETY?
Abstract
According to the push-pull theory of migration, what causes migration is a combination of push factors
influencing immigrants to leave their home country, with pull factors pulling them towards other countries.
Greater financial security, career success and academic achievement are the major push factors motivating
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Sociology Dissertations
Nigerians to leave Nigeria. On the other hand, major pull factors attracting them to Malta include the fact that
it is a potential stepping stone to Europe and it also offers high-quality education. Another pulling force is
kinship and friendship network connections established between Nigerians settled in Malta and prospective
migrants in Nigeria and around the globe. However, is Malta really a land flowing with milk and honey as the
majority of Nigerians imagined it before migrating? The purpose of this research is to provide an understanding
of the major factors which promote or inhibit Nigerian immigrants from incorporating in Maltese society.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
According to the assimilationist perspective proposed by the Chicago School of Sociology in the 1920s and 1930s,
the process of immigrants’ acculturation inevitably results in assimilation. This approach faced extensive
criticism that it is outdated and highly optimistic, viewing immigrants as losing their cultural uniqueness,
experiencing occupational upward mobility and fitting perfectly within the Anglo-American dominant culture.
This perspective remained the prominent paradigm until the late 1960s, a time of ongoing racial inequality and
clashes. During this period, it was regarded as inapplicable to study the contemporary realities of immigrants’
incorporation and as a result new models of incorporation were adopted. This research examines the Nigerians’
incorporation process, by analysing Maltese integration measures, Maltese individuals’ reception and Nigerians’
endeavour to adapt to Maltese society.
Marita Egere
2009
Sociology
AGEING AND UNEMPLOYMENT:
Are the over 40s being discriminated because of their age?
This study focused on the barriers which persons who are over the age of 40 are facing to find employment. A
qualitative approach was used by conducting face-to-face semi-structured interviews with fifty registered
unemployed persons aged 40 and above who were registering with the Employment and Training Corporation at
the time of the study.
These persons are facing several barriers to find employment. Certain barriers such as, discrimination and poor
working conditions, were being posed by society. On the other hand, other barriers were also being posed by the
interviewees themselves. These included among others: lack of initiative with regards to training and their lack
of motivation to learn new skills or take up a different career path. It was also pointed out that age
discrimination was not the sole barrier being posed to the interviewees in their attempts to find a job.
Priscilla Cutajar
2009
Sociology
93
Sociology Dissertations
Keywords
2008
PJT
MEL
Title
ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN DOMESTIC SETTINGS: UNVEILING A HIDDEN REALITY
Abstract
Even if not all older persons are dependent, there is a likelihood of greater degrees of dependence the older
people get. While some older persons carry out their daily activities with little effort or difficulty, for others the
activities of daily living are challenging. Hence, these older persons need help from others to perform these
activities. Therefore, the family and other informal supporters are crucial in enabling an older person to age in
place.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Although the vast majority of dependent older persons are cared for and tended with affection at home, a
considerable amount of mistreatment takes place within these caregiving relationships. Caregiving is the main
context for interaction between a caregiver and a care recipient during which elder abuse is generated. However,
domestic elder abuse is still an elusive subject, and in general people know very little about it. Thus, this study
aims at giving a rightful recognition of domestic elder abuse and neglect in Malta. Hence, risk factors related to
the older person, the perpetrator, and the structural situation that surrounds the dyad are looked into in detail.
Amanda Catania
2008
Sociology
MEDIA ACCESSIBILITY AND THE MALTESE EXTREME-RIGHT
This dissertation analyses the media accessibility available to the Maltese Extreme-Right. Both the local media
realm and the political arena are dominated by two major political parties. Because of this situation, any new
political movement has to adapt to a hostile environment. This setting also affects the local Extreme-Right
movements.
After identifying the movements forming part of the Extreme-Right within the local context, this dissertation
investigates why politicians consider all available media as indispensable tools where the packaging of politics is
concerned. Even though the onset of pluralism, in the 1990s, introduced a growing number of audio-/visual
means, these have been monopolised by the key players in the field, namely mainstream political parties, the
State, business organisations and the Church. This dissertation shows how mainstream political parties have
succeeded in hogging media access, with the help of media gatekeepers, thus helping to promote and perpetuate
a bi-partisan political scenario.
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
PJT
Title
Abstract
For the purposes of this research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with media gatekeepers together
with representatives of Extreme-Right parties and pressure groups. Use was also made of media texts to
corroborate upon some of the issues raised during these interviews, illustrate a point or contradict a statement
made. This dissertation proposes a model of media accessibility which is affected by media ownership, the ‘rules
of the game’, the ideology upheld by the political party seeking media access, and the financial resources at its
disposition. This study demonstrates that funds enable political parties to buy media access, whatever their
political ideology. Whereas the media gatekeepers argued that they were not willing to promote chauvinistic
sentiments to explicate why Extreme-Right parties were not given media coverage, the textual analysis
demonstrates that hate speech is rampant in the local media. Xenophobic sentiments are allowed on the local
media as long as the message does not derive from Extreme-Right exponents. This makes one question whether
the Extreme-Right is not given media coverage from the fear of destabilising the bi-polar status-quo, rather than
the eradication of hate speech.
Roderick White
2008
Sociology
QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY IN RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS
This dissertation will focus on abuse among the elderly and how it will affect the quality of life in residential
settings. This interest emerged from the abuse my late grandfather suffered when he was residing in a
residential home for the elderly.
To find out the extent of elderly abuse and what the elderly defined as abuse, semi-structured interviews were
conducted with a sample of residents in three different homes- one private-run, one church-run and one staterun residences. In order to verify and enlarge on the individual experience of the residents, interviews were
conducted with service providers working within the three residential homes in question. The results show why
people might be afraid of getting old. This is because both residents and service providers underlined that abuse
takes place within residential homes, in spite of institutional arrangements to tackle such behaviour.
Incidentally enough, it emerged that the types of abuse noted and the groups more likely to suffer from such
abuse, are affected by social and gender variables.
Author
The concluding chapter proposed recommendations. I focused on preventive measures which can be adopted by
institutions themselves and the state to mitigate abuse. I believe that education and public awareness is the key
to ameliorate the existent services where the elderly are concerned.
Ylenia Cauchi Carter
95
Sociology Dissertations
Date
Subject
Keywords
2008
Sociology
2007
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
JAM
MEL
THE STRESS OF SUCCESS:
Coping Strategies of Dual-Earner Couples
The main purpose of this dissertation is to explore the type of stress which dual-earner couples are often facing,
as well as the strategies they are opting for in order to balance their work and family demands. However, apart
from discussing the reality of dual-earner family, this research study focuses also on the sociological implications
of this type of family. Qualitative research methodology has been opted for in this research study. Data was
collected from 21 families in which both spouses are engaged in paid employment outside the home. Interviews,
time diaries and observation were employed in this dissertation. This research study represents an attempt to go
beyond traditionalist discourses of dual-earner couples as social units which are burdened with conflicts and
tensions. Contrary to the literature which tends to shed a ‘dark’ light on the dual-earner family. This
dissertation concludes that the dual earner family also has its positive side. Given that they have a double
income, working parents are able to purchase consumeristic ‘needs’ and pursue other leisure activities which
would be very hard to follow in a single-earner family. Moreover, in order to make up for the time ‘lost’ at work,
dual-earner couples look forward to organising ‘quality’ time which they can spend with their family members.
Daniela Bugeja
2007
Sociology
Title
LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY
A Sociological Study of Unemployment of Persons Aged 40 Years and Over in Malta
Abstract
This study sociologically explores the perceptions of the unemployed aged 40 years and over in Malta
participating in an employment scheme – the Training and Employment Exposure Scheme (T.E.E.S.). This
scheme was funded by the European Union (E.U.) and the Government of Malta. It was specifically designed for
this particular age-cohort of registered unemployed workers in Malta and it was implemented between 2004 and
2006. This study also serves as an evaluative exercise of the first phase of this particular scheme – the Core
Skills Course – from the participants’ point of view. Research results show that, overall, participants rate the
Core Skills Course fairly well. Nevertheless, the module on Job-Seeking Skills, and the utility of the course in
finding employment are not best-rated. The variables of education and number of household breadwinners had a
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
significant impact on responses, though not in a progressive manner. Those having a tertiary and primary level
of education overall expressed more negativity vis-à-vis their employment opportunities and status in the labour
market, as opposed to those having a basic and secondary level of education. On the other hand, similar to those
coming from households with one or two breadwinners, those coming from households having four breadwinners
also gave more negative responses, than those coming from households having three breadwinners.
Maria Brown
2007
Sociology
THE AGE OF FLEXIBILIY:
Part-time Work Practices in the Maltese Labour Market
The main aim of this dissertation is to explore how the decisions to engage in part-time work interact with a
number of other sociological variables. This study looks at a number of intersections, mainly labour and time,
part-time work and the political process, morality, the gendering of labour, informal economy, consumerism,
social relations such as kinship and child caring, and part-time work as an entry point into the labour market.
This study explores how the contemporary reality of part-time work in Malta must be located within the broader
context of flexibilization of labour. To explore these intersections, qualitative interviewing was used. This
comprised in-depth, semi-structured interviews with individuals that work both part-time as their primary
source of income and part-time combined with full-time employment. Results revealed that working time is
constructed and re-organised according to the different situations in life; for example when participants are still
students, in their post-secondary and tertiary education, to the pre-marital phase, to parenthood and then to
couples with adult children. Evidence collected through my interviews shows that parenthood affects fathers and
mothers in different ways. Whereas fathers continue working part-time as a supplement to their full-time
employment, mothers tend to reduce their working hours and engage in part-time work to complement their fulltime family responsibilities. An analysis of the gendered division of tasks within the home was also raised, where
it seems evident that men are the ones that provide financial assistance and their role at home is that of a helper
while the women take the responsibility of all domestic and child caring tasks. This study also addresses the
issue of childcare centres and kinship relations, were childcare centres were given priority by my participants.
Besides this fact, kinship relations are also seen as an important structure of providing care. This study
concluded that participants work part-time to earn more money in order to be able to maintain a consumerist
lifestyle. These aspects are all embedded in the shift that has occurred throughout the years in Malta with the
rise of the free market economy that leads to the credit society and the culture of borrowing. However, this
brought conflicting ideas, where the free market has led to the creation of a certain type of family and the church
is presenting us with another type of family. Results reveal that participants work part-time in the informal
economy so that they can keep and/or enjoy all that they earn.
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Oriana Ellul
2007
Sociology
2006
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
TO WORK OR NOT TO WORK: IS THAT THE QUESTION?
A Case Study on Youth Non-Participation in the ETC’s Employability Programmes
The main aim of this dissertation was to explore the processes and barriers leading to youth non participation in
ETC’s employability programmes and examine non-participants’ outlook and commitment to work. This study
sought to find if programme non-participation is equivalent with unwillingness to work and analyze the extent to
which unemployment is voluntary and/or if external factors constrain unemployed young people’s movement into
work. Following a literature review on theoretical perspectives of work and unemployment and studies relevant
to the research topic, data was collected through a triangulation of sources and methods. These comprised of indepth semi-structured interviews with 45 non-participant youth, informal interviews with trainers and ETC
Employment Advisors (EAs) and casual conversations with other staff, participant observation of Job Club
participants and analysis of secondary sources. Data collected was then analyzed by drawing on sociological
theories which attempt to integrate agency and structure. These included Bourdieu’s (1977) concept of ‘habitus’,
Giroux’s (1983) theory of resistance and Giddens’ (1979) ‘structuration theory’. Results revealed that nonparticipation in ETC’s programmes is due to multiple, often interlinked reasons and not solely the outcome of
deliberate non-compliance with the Bureaucracy. Instead, non-participation for most youth was found to be
unintentional and reflects the disconnection that exists between the State/institutional structures and the lives
of individuals. Moreover non-participation in programmes was found to equate with unwillingness to work in
most cases. This study concluded that although most youth were not flexible about jobs they considered or
strenuous job seekers and many identified some positive aspects of joblessness these work attitudes only partly
constrain informants’ movement into work. Rather, lack of: demand for labour, decent full-time jobs, social
capital and work experience were amongst factors posing significant barriers to work especially for those with
least resources. This study also proposes various ways in which current implementation of EU employment
policy and programmes for unemployed youth can be improved so as to avoid a one-programme fits all approach
and encourage greater participation as well as the need for early intervention and educational reform to ensure
that all young people leave the educational system with the basic and social skills, knowledge and confidence to
succeed in life.
Miriam Mintoff
2006
Sociology
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Sociology Dissertations
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
THE WORK OF ART AS A SOCIAL EXPRESSION
The aim of this dissertation was to analyse art as a social expression. This was done through studying
contemporary art forms referring mainly to Installation Art and the Art of abstraction. In this dissertation,
sociological theories on art were presented and analysed.
This study endeavoured to examine the relationship between cultural values and their influence on works of art
within the local context. The religious institution and its role as a barrier and resistant to new art forms were
discussed. Furthermore, the European scenario especially its influence on the local art world was studied
through the eyes of Post-war Maltese artists who were mainly trained in Italy.
Social symbolic theories on art and the coexistence of multiplicity of art forms were discussed. Furthermore,
prominence was given to Feminist theories regarding the art world.
The research was based on case studies and participant observation. The reason for adopting case study research
method was to provide a rich and in-depth description of the participants’ perception. Throughout this study, it
was argued that artists used their art as a tool for changing cultural values within the Maltese society. Two local
art groups were studied in order to examine new ways of social expression adopted by Maltese artists. One of
these groups – The Modern Art Circle was active in the fifties. Its members introduced abstract art. Its
repercussions were witnessed in the detailed analysis of the contemporary art group Start and their particular
interest in Installation Art. These forms of expression were studied in relation to the meanings attached to new
forms of art.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Results from the case studies revealed that the participants had comparable perceptions on issues like the role of
the public in the art world. However, they had different perceptions on the influence of moral values and issues
of nudity in art within the Maltese context. All agreed that there is a great need for art education among the
Maltese general public. This would surely enhance the appreciation and understanding of different forms of art
in the Maltese Islands.
Valerie Visanich
2006
Sociology
2005
MEL
Title
WOMEN’S ROLES AND ACTIVITIES IN DAY-TO-DAY FAMILY LIFE:
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Sociology Dissertations
Abstract
A Case Study
This locality specific research shows how Maltese women over seventy succeeded through their day-to-day roles,
functions and activities to actively construct the family and themselves in an environment constrained by
patriarchy and spatio-temporal restrictions. Life histories with a sample of women from Birkirkara, one of the
biggest cities in Malta, were utilized to find out how a patriarchal ordering of things, starting from birth, going
on through childhood, girlhood and adulthood determined the informants’ life expectations, roles and patterns of
living. Patriarchy comes out as having a most determining influence on the respondents’ lives.
For this study I interviewed about twenty elderly women aged between sixty-eight and seventy-five whom I got
to know through one another as well as through my relatives especially my aunt. I studied the gathered ‘data’
through an eclectic approach which made good use of a varied number of empirical research studies of functional,
Marxist as well as interactionist orientation.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Although gender ideology is seen as having a constraining effect on the actors’ actions, this study shows an
element of agency evident in the idiosyncratic way these respondents tackled mundane activities and roles. This
agency came out strongly in the way they coped with relationships, nourishment and caring, motherhood,
aspects which enabled the respondents and their female relatives to ‘shape’ their status within the community.
For most of the informants, being a woman meant sticking to the ‘right path’, being innovative only within the
frameworks and boundaries set by patriarchal ideology which together with Catholicism helped keep women in
their place. Going against such clear-cut notions of constructs of time, space and hierarch was deemed as deviant
and hence bad for oneself and the general order of things.
Stephanie Zarb
2005
Sociology
2004
MEL
Title
Abstract
WOMEN AND LEISURE IN MALTA
The sociological study of leisure in Malta is still in its early stages. Most sociological research done at present in
Malta deals with elements such as work, education, family or religion. Leisure is given secondary importance
and is mostly considered as the corollary of work relations.
However leisure tends to plan an important role in the individuals’ lives. Everyone has some experience of
leisure in life. Leisure has also become an important industry and a large source of employment. It is the subject
of political discussion and state provision while a significant number of voluntary organisations and cultural
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Sociology Dissertations
activities provide opportunities for leisure to a significant number of individuals.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
The above reasons form the background of this study. The need to know more about the leisure choices of the
Maltese and their total life situations led me to the study of Maltese women’s leisure perceptions and
participation. This dissertation will attempt to provide a sociological analysis of the leisure choices of Maltese
women through the analysis of various theories of leisure as well as data compiled from a survey distributed
among women living at Mgarr and Swieqi.
Antonella Borg
2004
Sociology
IDEOLOGY IN MALTESE PARTY POLITICS
This dissertation examines, from a sociological perspective, the evolution of political ideology in Malta since the
attainment of Independence. Following a theoretical review of the ‘end of ideology’ theses the study adopts
Fukuyama’s ‘end of History’ and seeks to test its relevance to the Maltese context.
Using the Manifesto Research Group (MRG) methodology, as explained by Budge, Lingermann, Volkens, Bara
and Tannenbaum (2001), the study subjects a selection of electoral programmes from the Nationalist Party and
the Malta Labour Party to content analysis. The constructed data set enables cross-time and cross-party
comparisons of the ideological position of Malta’s two significant political parties. The findings of the study are
then placed in the context of international research from the Comparative Manifestos Project of the Social
Sciences Research Centre of Berlin and an attempt is made to examine how the two main Maltese political
ideologies, Christian Democracy and Social Democracy, can be placed on the ideological continuum that exists for
the respective party families.
Following the empirical part, the critical analysis of the dissertation sets to discover whether ideological
distinctions between Old Nationalists and New Nationalists, and, conversely, between Old Labour and New
Labour, are real. The study seeks also to determine whether there is a decline of either of the political ideologies.
Author
Date
The study concludes that Maltese political ideology has arrived at a standstill, based on a wide consensus on
liberal economics, liberal politics and the welfare state. Currently Maltese politics is devoid of radical
alternatives. The dissertation therefore suggests the proposition that Maltese political ideology is experiencing a
new conservative age, hereby designated as the Christian Democrat Consensus.
Clyde Michael Puli
2004
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Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Subject
Keywords
Sociology
Title
THE MALTESE TOURIST:
A Sociological Inquiry
This study focuses on some aspects of tourism travel. Specifically it aims to explore the reasons that drive
Maltese people to take trips for reasons of leisure away from these shores. It is a sociological inquiry of the
Maltese Tourist. The notions of globalization and mobility are becoming ever-increasing realities and it is
important to view tourism in this context.
Abstract
The central focus of the study is the Maltese Tourist. Chapters 1 and 2 look at the available literature on the
subject of tourism and the structures that have shaped the tourist. Two factors are necessary for tourism to be
present at all. First of all one must have time away from the workplace and secondly travel requires disposable
income to finance a trip.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The study employs two approaches: firstly the critique of contemporary life, specifically after Bauman (1998)
together with Graburn’s (1995) sacred/profane model. Secondly it uses the symbolic interactionist approach
which posits that actors define the situation and act accordingly. Ten in-depth semi-structured interviews were
conducted and questions were centred around prepared topics. All interviews were recorded and transcribed.
Questions covered topics such as countries visited, length of stay, the role of advertising and the influence
wielded by the presence of tourists in Malta.
Gillian Bonnici
2004
Sociology
o Travel
o Tourism
o Off-the-beaten-track
o Individualism
o Conspicuous Consumption
o Globalisation
o Mobility
2003
MEL
Title
INTEGRATION OR ISOLATION?
The Experience of Alcohol Drinking among Older Persons
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Sociology Dissertations
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Franklin Barbara
2003
Sociology
2002
MAF
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT
A Sociological Study of Mayors’ Attitudes from fourteen Local Councils in Malta and Gozo
This study describes the attitude of local council mayors in Malta and Gozo towards the environment and
environmental issues, focusing upon the intricate relationship between society and the environment. Mayors
have been chosen as subjects because, being the official representatives of the local councils, they also represent
and are close to the residents in their localities. The mayors’ views on and their behaviour toward the
environment show the extent to which they are aware of environmental issues. The approach adopted in this
study is qualitative, and the data have been collected by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews held
between August and September 2001. Fourteen mayors were interviewed. The mayors’ attitude is also examined
with respect to the following parameters: localism versus national cooperation, individualism versus collectivism,
personal versus public environmental action, Labour versus Nationalist Party mayors’ attitudes towards the
environment, leadership/agency versus fatalism/structure, materialist versus postmaterialist mayors and their
linkage to actual affluence levels, the relationship of age/education in relation to environment attitudes. The
main findings of this study show that, for various reasons, the mayoral role itself heightens the environmental
awareness of mayors; however, their motivation and environmentally friendly behaviour are constrained in some
ways, in particular by the dominance of partisan politics.
Anna Zammit
2002
Sociology
THE STATE AND EDUCATION IN MALTA
The primary objective of this dissertation as a critical analysis of the relation of the state to Maltese society. An
analysis of the role of the state in education, and of the conflicting interests surrounding education policy and
reform, was the particular focus chosen for this research. Thus a wide and varied range of documentation related
to state reform – concerning the status of teachers, professional autonomy in education, and private schools as
three related areas of focus – was analysed n relation to literature on the state and education within national
and international contexts. This served to shed light on some of the reasons behind the particular reforms
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
implemented by the state. In fact, from the course of events analysed it is evident that state policy in education
is influenced by a variety of interests, mainly in terms of class relations, economic power and political power.
These interests originate both from outside government and the state (e.g. private interests) and from within
(e.g. members in control of/working within the state apparatus). Thus the state becomes representative of a
number of intended interests, rather than the collective, which accounts for the unequal degree of voice within
the process of decision-making that is conceded to different constituencies and stakeholders.
Josephine Mifsud
2002
Sociology
FAREWELL TO SELF-MANAGEMENT:
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AT MALTA DRYDOCKS AT A CROSSROADS
Victor Aquilina
2002
Sociology
2001
JAM
MEL
Title
IDEOLOGICAL AND STRATEGIC SHIFTS FROM OLD LABOUR TO NEW LABOUR IN MALTA
Abstract
On emerging victors in the general elections held on October 26th, 1996, the Malta Labour Party gave the
impression that it was going to create a modern Malta, which would once and for all do away with patronage and
partisan politics. New Prime Minister Alfred Sant had previously managed to cleanse his Party of its violent
imagery, transforming the Malta Labour Party from one which was associated with arrogant governments lead
by an authoritarian yet charismatic leader, Dom Mintoff, to a modernised party led by a relatively young and
modern leader who accept to work with all those who wanted to modernise Malta. Labour gave the impression
that it was ready to work for the Citizen and not only for the Labourites.
New Labour only managed to stay in power for twenty-two months.
Sant’s government, which had one-seat parliamentary majority, faced an imminent problem: unsustainable
national debt. His government tackled this problem by means of austerity measures, and this, together with a
parliamentary rebellion by Dom Mintoff himself, as well as other factors, led to the downfall of the New Labour
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government in 1998. Dom Mintoff, the symbol of the Malta Labour Party for around half a century, no longer
remained ‘the saviour’ for Labourites. He became a traitor. At the same time, Alfred Sant’s hold on the Party
remained as strong as ever.
When New Labour lost the general elections on September 5th. 1998, I was looking for a research topic for the
main part of my Masters Degree in Sociology. New Labour was a temptation I could not resist.
Hence, I decided to compare the Malta Labour Party under Sant with that under Dom Mintoff and his successor
Karmeny Mifsud Bonnici. I wanted to carry out a sociological analysis, free as much as possible from myth and
propaganda, to analyse the similarities and the contrasts between ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Labour. I thought that the best
way to do this was to analyse the ideological and strategic shifts from the one (Old Labour) to the other (New
Labour).
It has taken me three long years to carry out this study, and I had never assumed that there would be so many
complexities on the issue. I found out that, as far as the Malta Labour Party from 1971 to 1998 is concerned,
change is neither a simple question of shifts nor a mere evolutionary process. It could include elements of both.
Indeed, in this thesis it will be argued that various strategic and ideological shifts have taken place from Old
Labour to New Labour. These include ideological shifts in economic policy and the role of the state as well as
strategic shifts in political strategy and class and party interests.
It will also be argues that on the other hand, Old Labour and New Labour shared common evolutionary features
such as the ideological emphasis on the primacy of (industrial) economy, nationalism and the welfare state, and
in the degree of power of the leader within the Party.
In this thesis I have given much importance to the political and economic changes which took place in Malta
between the 1970s and the 1990s, as well as to the value-systems in Malta during these years.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
I feel that this study not only puts forward an analysis of one of the most interesting political topics of the late
twentieth century Malta, but also makes an interesting reading because the phenomenon of modernisation of
Social Democratic parties is global, ranging from Britain to New Zealand, and fro, Brazil to South Africa. Indeed,
I hope that the study can prove itself useful to those analysing social change both within Malta as well as for
comparative purposes with processes of change in other societies.
Michael Briguglio
2001
Sociology
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Sociology Dissertations
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVE
The sociological aspect of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) proposed by this study is explored
through a symbolic interactionist perspective. Shared meanings and intersubjective beliefs, derived from
subjects’ responses in the research process, are analysed and interpreted against the key themes of symbolic
interactionism, with the resultant influences in the construction of the ADHD self highlighted. Discussion on the
use of linguistic symbols and the shaping effect of role taking is presented, as common ADHD identities are
unpacked and subjects’ own world reality analysed within shared social processes. The qualitative methodology
employed generates the required empirical data through narratives of life experiences extracted from in-depth
interviews as the study’s main research tool. As a descriptive and interpretive project, the study identifies those
social factors whose influences are seen to extend to the point of making ADHD also a socially defined pathology
in a contrived context of meanings and definitions. Within its symbolic interactionist framework, the study
argues that the condition under review is rendered more visible to its ‘social audience’ when it is engaged with
societal reactions and definitions. How and why the variables of social meanings, definitions and labelling act as
significant cues in the creation of ADHD selves and behaviours are the key challenges of the entire endeavour.
From an interpretive stance, the study shows a way forward by discussing the implications for the family,
schools and community environments wherein interactional problems connected with the condition can be
socially redesigned and turned into proactive strategies for socialisation.
Philip E. Said
2001
Sociology
2000
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
UNIVERSITY – THE FAST LANE
A Study of Socio-Cultural Status Mobility Amongst University Students
This is a scientific analysis of socio-cultural status mobility where university is presumed to be a major factor in
an individual’s process of socio-economic status attainment and consequently, socio-cultural status mobility. The
hypothesis focuses on whether the students who attain socio-economic mobility through university are in fact,
being socially and culturally accepted by the members of the higher social ‘classes’; in particular the ‘service
class’ members.
This hypothesis is tested against a group of 50 ex-university students (both males and females) who graduated in
B.A. (HONS) Business Management in the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, between 1991
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and 1994. Educational attainment is held at a constant since all respondents (100%, N=50) terminated their
studies at the University of Malta.
The analysis confirms that the sample was clearly upwardly mobile, with 60% experiencing ‘perfect upward
mobility’ having moved to the ‘service class’ (Goldthorpe, 1987), since their background is from the intermediate
and working classes. The other 40% kept their parental socio-economic and cultural (service class) status, so
their role can almost be described as ‘ascribed’. They remained in the same social class of origin. Moreover, it
resulted that these individuals (the 60%) became socially accepted, through a ‘cultural integration’ process, by
the ‘service class’ category and sub-culture. This happened mainly because of the formation through both formal
and informal training at University. Actually the respondents received this training at University which laid the
grounds for their adult socialisation period.
Within the study the researcher had to identify a Maltese social class typography in order to identify the extent
to which social mobility occurred. Likewise, the researcher identified an almost ‘unreachable’ social position
coined as ‘super class’ (from Adonis and Pollard, 1997).
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
In the last part of the study, the researcher identified a direct interdependent process between socio-economic
and cultural mobility and social development at a wider context. In fact, University became perceived as an
institution that can generate social development through the individual development of students.
Bernard A. Zarb
2000
Sociology
EDUCATION AND OLD AGE:
A Critical Analysis of Malta’s University of the Third Age
The aim of this dissertation was a critical sociological analysis of the social realities encompassing older adult
education. The study endeavoured to analyse the relationship of a particular older adult educational programme
vis-à-vis the enhancement or elimination of egalitarian and existing social inequalities in later life. Following a
literature review focusing on the sociological theories of old age, ageism, and older adult education, fieldwork
was carried out at the University of the Third Age in Malta (U3E). Data collection was administered through
Fielding and Fielding’s (1985) ‘data combination’ method, employing non-participant observation, a mail
questionnaire, and elite interviews. The data collected was consequently analysed through Pierre Bourdieu’s
(and Passeron, 1997; 1984) critical insights on ‘habitus’, ‘social class’ and ‘distinction’, as well as Paulo Freire’s
(1972a, 1985) critical concept of liberatorty education.
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Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Results revealed that the primary indicator for membership in the U3E was being situated in the ‘young-old’
cohort’, possessing relatively higher levels of educational attainment and qualifications, as well as previous
experience in higher level occupations. The U3E was characterised by a liberal ideological framework, ‘banking’
education, and low levels of participatory ‘presence’, ‘control’ and ‘involvement’. This research study concluded
that U3E membership is especially engaged in by older persons endowed with a higher than average volume of
‘cultural capital’. They utilised their involvement in the U3E as both a conscious and unconscious manipulation
of ‘symbolic capital’ to elevate their position in the social space and thus distinguish themselves from the rest of
the older population. The dissertation also includes a number of policy proposals for operation planners so as to
aid the U3E to reach its transformative potential and distance itself from being another euphemism for glorified
occupation therapy.
Marvin Formosa
2000
Sociology
1999
JAM
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
LIFE ON THE LINE
A Sociological Investigation of Women Working in a Clothing Factory in Malta
The study is about the life of a number of women employed as machine operators in a German-owned, Maltesemanaged factory producing women’s trousers. Data was gathered by means of observation, participant
observation and indepth, unstructured interviews. The women are tied to their machine for long hours and their
work is tightly controlled. Although they claim to be happy at work, their resistance strategies including
frequent absenteeism and high rates of labour turnover suggest otherwise. Their career aspirations are low
especially since they regard their working life as temporary. This mostly stems from the fact that their life at
work is so much tinged by their personal life. That boyfriends, weddings, homes, children and husbands are on
top of their agenda is evident in their attitudes towards their work but especially in the culture of shopfloor. The
work experience of the women is greatly affected by management strategies especially maternalist approach in
its relationship with the workforce to the extent that for many, the management replaces the union where
problem solving is concerned.
Angele Deguara
1999
Sociology
1998
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Sociology Dissertations
MAF
JAM
MEL
Title
FULL PARTICIPATION OF THE MALTESE ELDERLY IN SOCIETY
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
David Filippidis
1998
Sociology
1996
MEL
Title
Abstract
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AQUACULTURE
The aim of this thesis is to put in a sociological perspective the environmental and social implications, including
power policies, of aquaculture as an industry in Malta.
Interviews with nine persons from different strata of society were conducted; extensive usage of the relevant
media coverage as well as literature from several sources was referred to. A synthesis of the above was made,
and the following conclusion was reached: Aquaculture can have potentially negative impacts on both the
physical and the social environment.
Maggie Borg
1996
Sociology
1994
MAF
JAM
MEL
Title
“THE DELINQUENT YOUTH”
A Sociological Study of Juvenile Delinquency in Malta
Abstract
Juvenile delinquency may be described as the manifestation of the cultural conflict endemic to any social
structure. It epitomises youth rebellion against those behaviour standards, values, and lifestyles revered by the
established culture. Juvenile delinquency, however, implies more than inter status-group conflict. It cuts across
generational, gender, class and territorial boundaries. Moreover, the nature, source, content and extent of youth
delinquency are situationally-dependent and necessitate the understanding of the relativity and the multiplicity
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Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
of the problem. To define the term “juvenile delinquency” is also, in itself, an arduous task. Accepting the notion
of juvenile delinquency as the misconduct of youth as indicated through juvenile violations of social norms, for
example, would not help overcome the difficulty of arriving at a precise explanation of the problem. Since what is
held to be non-normative behaviour is relative to the social norms upheld in one social structure or another, it is
impossible to arrive at a uniform definition of juvenile delinquent behaviour. Neither is it possible to define
juvenile delinquency in terms to one explanation or another. A host of factors impinge on the individual and the
environment to create delinquency. This study seeks to identity some of the factors related to juvenile
delinquency incidence in Malta. It cannot nor does it seek to provide the answer to youth delinquency causality
in Malta. “The Delinquent Youth”, rather, seeks to highlight some of the salient features of the problem and to
emphasise the necessity of subjecting this field to empirical scrutiny.
Albert Bell
1994
Sociology
MSc
2007
PJT
Title
Abstract
DYING TO BE SEEN?
Power and Body Shape in Late Modern Society
The problem of obesity in society today is juxtaposed by the ‘tyranny of slenderness’ that dominates individuals
through the postmodern ‘political economy of the sign’. In this dissertation, the concept of the body as a cultural
and social product is explored as a means towards analysing the structural influences at play and the power
dynamics set up by the current ‘bio-politics- of body shape. The late modern individual, bombarded as she is by
the dominant media images, is viewed from within a panoptic paradigm where individuals become Foucault’s
‘docile bodies’ at the mercy of the gaze of the generalized other.
Bourdieu’s concept of habitus is used to examine the dialectic of structural influences and cognitive dispositions
that determine social action, and the relevance of socially desirable physical attributes for building and
exploiting social capital.
A cultural variant of Merton’s theory of deviance is offered as a way of understanding the enigma of obesity in
today’s image-conscious society where anorexia is seen to be the result of ritualized adaptation to strain, and
obesity a form of retreat. It is suggested that both types of adaptation display an abandonment of culturally
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Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
defined foals when individuals become alienated by the impossible task of achieving the ‘hyper-real’ plastic body
that has come to tyrannise the ‘inner logic of consumer culture’.
Gillian Martin
2007
MSc in Sociology, University of Manchester
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
2010
MEL
Title
Abstract
CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN MALTA:
A Sociological Perspective
The ‘obesity epidemic’ (World Health Organization 2000) has been the subject of extensive cross disciplinary
research. One barrage of statistics that proved to be a trigger for this study shows that the top ten countries for
overweight thirteen year olds worldwide include five from the Mediterranean region (Currie et al. 2004b p.125).
Malta’s number one placing is of particular interest here. The purpose of this research is to add a sociological
perspective to the academic discussion in its wake. It aims to highlight the ‘invisible and unintended
relationships’ (Crossley 2004) that may hold between society and biology and to show that obesity is not simply
something individuals ‘have’ but intrinsically linked to what they ‘do’. It hopes to shift the focus of the debate
from that of ‘deviant bodies’ to the social processes within which these are embedded by exploring the ‘doings’ in
local culture that might have a direct or indirect influence on the physical and social process of embodiment in
overweight children.
A combination of predominantly qualitative research techniques are used to explore the values and attitudes
that adults and children hold in respect to overweight children and the way that these influence affective
dynamics, food and lifestyle choices.
Data are analysed to explore the dynamic interplay of issues related to aesthetics, health and happiness as
linked to the overweight body shape in children; to focus on what it means ‘to be overweight and to have an
overweight body’ as a child growing up locally; and to highlight the way power dynamics in child-care strategies
and negotiations influence parenting and nurturing techniques.
Principal findings show that the goals and preoccupations mothers have in relation to their child’s body shape
and weight change dramatically with age:- while the overweight baby/toddler is considered ‘cute’, ‘cuddly’ and
‘resistant to illness’ – symbolic evidence of a successful (‘happy’) mother, this is effectively reversed by the time
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the child is about to leave primary school, aged ten, when the potential health problems associated with obesity
(in adulthood) and the social sanctions the older children encounters under the influence of the ‘slim is beautiful’
become the mothers’ main preoccupation. The children’s perspective shows that while the idea that ‘fat is ugly’ is
firmly established and frequently expressed by children in both age groups, the overweight five year olds seem
unaware of their true weight status in contrast with the ten year olds who develop private coping strategies to
gloss over the playground taunts. The grandmothers’ powerful position as main and preferred source of childcare
is clear in the data where the mothers’ loss of control over the child’s consumption of high calorie sweet treats is
an accepted negative consequence in child care negotiations.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The debate on causes for the high rate of obesity in Maltese children need to acknowledge these social realities
within which the trend is embedded and to address the essential paradox inherent in the ‘medicalization’ of
obesity where the focus in individual ‘solutions’ tends to render the social environment that produced them
invisible.
Gillian M. Martin
2010
Sociology (Ph.D.)
2007
PJT
Title
Abstract
SCHOOL TO WORK TRANSITIONS – THE LIFE COURSE CONTEXT OF A COHORT OF ‘AT-RISK’ YOUTHS
IN MALTA
This study is focused on the transitions from school to work of a cohort of young men who had once attended St.
Paul’s School and by implication were, at that point in their lives, classified as ‘at-risk’ young people by
authorities of the Maltese Education Division. St. Paul’s School has been purposely set up for boys aged from
thirteen to sixteen who are deemed as too disruptive to be allowed to carry on attending mainstream schools by
the said authorities or who have been long-term school absentees. They are thereby given the possibility of
attending this school as a form of second opportunity schooling.
The participants have been pre-selected, using purposeful sampling, and are 25 to 30 years old ex-students of St.
Paul’s School. The study utilizes a qualitative methodology. The purpose of this study is to explore the
interconnectedness of these young men’s actions in different domains, starting from school and the initial
transition to the labor market and then seeing the different transition patterns they experience as their life
course evolves. It looks into how structural influences such as class enables or limits them in their approach to
their life course and how this is employed together with their agency to reach their goals.
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Sociology Dissertations
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
The transition from school to work is not simply associated with linear transitions from the school bench to the
work-place. Rather, it is associated with the many different routes that these young people take up, the
subjective connotations that they associate with working, and their overall socialization throughout their life
course. The biographical developments that also take place in their lives, including their forging of intimate
relationships with partners, and setting up home for themselves, are further major influences on their lifecourse.
Damian Spiteri
2007
Sociology (Ph.D.)
1999
MAF
Title
Abstract
THE MIGRATION COMPONENT OF POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE MALTESE ISLANDS:
A Study of Demographic Aspects
This thesis focuses on demographic aspects of migration analysed for purposes of population projections of the
Maltese Islands. International migration has not been introduced in the computation of Maltese national
population projections so far, not has internal migration been included in the computation of population
projections at the sub-national level. A main question that the thesis offers an answer to is this: How does
migration influence the size and age-gender structure of the Maltese population on the national and sub-national
level in the context of population projections making?
This thesis presents the first attempt at statistical modelling, based on the Rogers and Castro double
exponential equation migration model, for population projections in Maltese demography. The data are derived
from the 1995 Census of Population and Housing. Two questions on internal migration are asked: (a) place of
usual residence one year prior to the Census and (b) place of usual residence five years prior to the Census.
These questions provided a basis for analysis of parity of migration, computation of respective gross
migraproduction rates as well as some 28 ‘Key reports’ on statistical modelling. Seven model parameters are
estimated by means of non-linear regression analysis.
The issue of paucity of migration data remains a chronic problem in demographic analysis. The thesis examines
the qualities and defaults of migration data sources such as census, survey and population register. The latter
one has been seen as a useful tool in collecting data needed for multi-regional and multi-state demographic
analysis. A more in-depth, causal analysis of migration leading towards life-event analysis would be possible
using population register.
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Like other works of similar character this thesis seeks to achieve statistical significance of estimated parameters
in a context of highly detailed demographic data. The ‘Key reports’ contain the important inputs needed for the
Rogers and Castro migration model equations for: (a) in- and out- migration flows; (b) two genders and the total
population; (c) usual place of residence and five years prior to Census; and (d) six regions as well as the total
population of the Maltese Islands.
It has been demonstrated that internal migration needs to be introduced in the Maltese population projection
practice since it directly contributes to processes of: (a) depopulation (the Inner Harbour Region), (b) aging (Gozo
and Comino and the Inner Harbour Region) and (c) attractiveness and population increase (the Northern and the
Western Regions). Another important finding is that the gross inter-regional migraproduction rates stood at 1.31
and 1.45 for migration five years prior to Census and one year prior to Census, respectively. The mean age of
labour force component indicates a family of ‘late peaking’ migration curves in almost all analysed regions.
The thesis confirms the applicability of the Rogers and Castro migration model using the Maltese migration
data. The index of goodness-of-fit of 10.2% for modelled migration rates five years prior to Census indicates
better results of modelling than the corresponding index of goodness-of-fit for modelled migration rates one year
prior to Census of 16.4%.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
However, models being a simplification of a more complex social reality do not offer a panacea for all problems of
forecasting. The exogenous variables other than the classical population system variables (namely births, deaths
and migration) are becoming more and more important in contemporary demography. This makes the task of
producing population projections necessarily an exercise of multidisciplinary character.
Maja Miljanic Brinkworth
1999
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
1997
MEL
Title
Abstract
AN EVALUATION OF HOUSING PATTERNS AND POLICIES IN MALTA
This thesis shows that the housing sector in Malta is suffering from traits of excess; it was found to be over- and
under- priced; over- and under-populated; over-productive and, at times, wrongly located and badly distributed.
The rental stock is old and sub-standard while owner-occupation has grown rapidly and has become very
expensive. The sector has no housing associations and no non-government organisations and there is little
consideration given to the special housing needs by particular users. The State is the sole provider of affordable
housing while the private sector considers housing to be one of the most profitable and safest forms of
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investment.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
This thesis provides an introduction to the scope of housing, purpose and objective of policy and the motivation of
householders. It expounds the European scenario within which it is written, analysis the sources of information
that have been tapped during its compilation and introduces a zonation of the country. The thesis argues that
housing in Malta is an endemic problem. Having put Malta’s housing patterns and policies within their
geographical perspective, it proposes a model for housing policies, introduces the stake holders in the housing
sector and traces the pattern of development of housing policies since the early 16th century. Mainly, it focuses
upon the evolution of housing policies since the late 1940s and examines the major issues that have emanated
from them. a housing quality survey is analysed, and factors that influence the price of housing in Malta are
identified and evaluated. Finally, the thesis expresses concern with housing rent policies in Malta and, in
justification, includes references to rent policies in Western Europe. The thesis ends with a summary of key
findings; a comparison of the housing patterns and policies in Malta with those of other European countries; and
a discussion of proposals to improve housing policies in Malta.
Paul Victor Mifsud
1997
Ph.D.; Department of Environmental Social Sciences – Keele University
1974
312
Title
Abstract
RELIGION AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN MALTA
This thesis examines the effect on the religious life and practice of the Maltese people of the processes of rapid
social change that have occurred in recent decades; and the way in which the process of modernization has
affected, and continues to affect, the traditional attachment of the Maltese to Catholicism.
The process of social change which is revealed in an analytical social history of the past few decades in Malta
may be regarded as an instance of structural differentiation, although the Maltese case differs in significant
respects from that process as it has occurred in the major advanced nations. Maltese society had experienced
relatively little separation of institutional orders before the Second World War. As an occupied colonial territory,
many of the functions of the developed state society continued to be performed for Malta in Britain, or by British
officials in the island. Rural life continued for a large proportion of the population, and even in the urban areas,
the institutions and practices of rural life persisted, so that the social organization of the towns was, in many
respects, like that of the villages. Community was the characteristic mode for the activities and relationships,
and, in this context, the priesthood and the Church continued to superintend the greater part of social
arrangements. The social pattern was still a ‘synthetic’ pattern; social life was not organized in functionally
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distinguishable areas of activity. Life was still ‘of a piece’, and much of the activity fell under the control of the
Church.
Traditional social organization was profoundly affected by several developments in the postwar years. In
particular, there were new attempts by a new type of indigenous political leadership to achieve a definitive
settlement of the persisting constitutional disagreements, and to gain for the Maltese at least a broad measure of
political autonomy and self-determination. With the dissemination of anti-colonialist ideas by the United
Nations, in the postwar period, Malta’s role as a ‘fortress’ was gradually abandoned for a new mode of living
based on industrialization and mass tourism. The changes in economic activity further stimulated change in
political institutions; and what followed was the development of new patterns of activity in all areas of social life
in which rational planning and scientific techniques acquired continuously increasing dominance. Traditional
values and customs were abrogated, and as literary was extended, rational procedures took over social
organization to an ever increasing degree.
These changes in the life habits, economic pursuits, political organization and the establishment of a modern
welfare state, had important consequences for the Church. For centuries, the Church had been the focus of
national identity, and in some respects had been almost a surrogate form of political expression and nationalism.
Until the first serious nationalist movement emerged in the second half of the nineteenth century, the Church
had represented, virtually exclusively, folk interests at the grass-roots level. Under the Knights, the Church had
been practically an autonomous state; it had led the revolt against the French in 1798; and was recognized by
the British as an irreplaceable element essential for the government of the island. With the acquisition of
Independence in 1864, the Church lost its traditional claims to exclusive representation of Maltese identity, and
its leaders – the well-mannered clergy – began to feel the need to shed the substitute roles which they had
assumed in the absence of effective representation of the indigenous population vis-à-vis the ‘occupying stranger’.
New social needs, directly related to the new social forces generated by the new openings in Maltese society as it
developed gesellschaftliche characteristics, required new structures, and some of these arose within the Church
itself.
The rise of new political self-reliance in Malta was not entirely characterized by a smooth passage from one stage
to the other: the early 1960s presented to the entire people a traumatic experience in which, belatedly perhaps,
the relationship of Church and State were subjected to bitter public debate. The Labour movement had come to
envisage the Church as an obstacle to progress, and to regard Church leaders as the allies of the foreign
colonizers, obstructing initially the proposal for integration with Britain in the mid-fifties, and later alienating
popular support for the Party when it was vigorously campaigning for independence in the early sixties. The
reaction of the Church to this situation provides a crucial episode in recent Maltese history, which is analyzed in
this thesis as a catalytic item in the process of social change, more abstractly conceived.
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Sociology Dissertations
The study of religion in Malta necessarily encompasses two broad, analytically distinguishable, but empirically
intractably interwoven, areas: that of religious belief and practice; and that of the institution of the Church itself
and its operation through its functionaries.
Catholicism affects everyday life through a complex body of clearly articulated norms, intended to regulate both
behaviour and ritual. The viability of these norms within a changing social structure is a primary focus in this
study.
Author
Date
Subject
Keywords
Divergent orientations to the loss of the Church’s exclusive super-intendancy over Maltese life in general were
noted among the clergy, of whom ten per cent were interviewed for this study. The thesis notes the change of
attitudes among the clergy, from a position in which religion is visualized as the unique and exclusive
legitimating agency for social control to a position that regards religion as one particular aspect of human life,
though one not divorced from general human activity. A minority of priests demonstrated a more pronounced
‘liberal’ attitude to social development. The existence of these three different orientations among the Maltese
clergy, which appear as responses to the effect of social change in general, but also as ‘imported’ trends in
theology developing after Vatican II, created disharmonies within the Maltese ecclesiastical establishment, in
the realm both of values and with respect to the strategy by which values might be operationalized in the
pastorate. The main internal cleavages within the Maltese Church are pursued in this thesis, and the way in
which they contributed to a growing awareness of secularization in Malta, and particularly in the Church, is
analyzed. There are indications of further change among the younger clergy as they adapt to new roles in a more
democratic society. Traditional patterns of religious practice persist; but traditional celebrations and festivities
tend to be maintained more in conscious attempt to preserve elements of an artistic and cultural heritage, than
as a principal agency for the communication of the meaning of Christian commitment.
Mario Vassallo
1974
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); University of Oxford
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