https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30848 2026-04-27T07:42:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31673 Title: To explore the perspectives of professionals on how the Maltese criminal justice system deals with drug offenders Abstract: Over the past decades attitudes towards drug offenders have evolved, leading to modification in national drug policies and legislation. Based on modern legislation, the criminal justice system has changed its ways of dealing with drug offenders. Sanctions given to drug offenders vary from one case to other, depending on various factors, ranging from suspended sentences, conditional discharges, community work, probation orders, treatment orders to imprisonment. Through open-ended interviews, this dissertation analyses the narrative of 10 professionals who work with drug offenders, discussing how the criminal justice system deals with drug offenders. Emphasis is placed on imprisonment and treatment orders. Results show that these sanctions can potentially help drug offenders who are addicts to rehabilitate in the long run, however results also imply that there are internal and external characteristics which can influence the success of such rehabilitation processes. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31672 Title: The career exposure experience : an analysis from students’ perspective Abstract: The scope behind this research was to analyse the students’ learning experience following their participation in the ‘Career Exposure Experience’. The majority of Year 10 (also referred to as Form 4) students attending state schools have the opportunity to experience this one-week exposure at a work-based environment. The purpose of the study was carried out in three geographical areas being the North, the Centre and the South of Malta, and is to evaluate the students’ viewpoints according to their firsthand experience of the ‘Career Exposure Experience’, basically whether they wish to further their studies after finishing secondary school or if entering the job market according to their skills and abilities. The geographical areas were taken into consideration to explore whether student’s thoughts, behaviours and choices vary according to the area/region they originate from. The three main colleges: Maria Regina, St Margaret and St Ignatius were considered as being major stakeholders in order for this study to take place. The research design of this study was carried out using the qualitative approach. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews with 12 students. The purpose of the semi-structured interviews was to gain information directly from the students about the ‘Career Exposure Experience’ and help the researcher to engage further discussion and suggest any room for improvement. Thematic analysis helped the researcher to sort out information into different themes. The findings provided ‘a good indication’ that the ‘Career Exposure4 Experience’ is quite a positive experience since students enjoy themselves, learn and get in touch with society and the realities that it brings along. Every student had the opportunity to express himself/herself and this helped the researcher to discuss the subject in more detail. The analysis was followed by a set of diligent recommendations proposed in term of proper actions thus hopefully improving the state-run programme, the ‘Career Exposure Experience’. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31671 Title: The vision of P.E. teachers on the inclusion of students with a disability Abstract: This research study examines the inclusion of students with a disability during P.E. in Maltese state schools. The vision and proposals of P.E. teachers in relation to students with a disability were identified. By qualitatively analyzing the P.E. teachers’ views, I could better establish whether inclusion is genuinely being put into practice. Eight interviews with P.E. teachers from three state schools were conducted. The interviews were semi-structured and made up of open-ended questions. I opted for open-ended questions, because I wanted to generate a dialogue with P.E. teachers. The main findings of this study show that all respondents agree that the inclusion of student with a disability within state schools is to some degree being achieved. Nonetheless they also stated that inclusion becomes almost impossible in the case of behavioural disabilities such as autism and ADHD. Respondents identified various barriers that are limiting their work to foster inclusion during P.E. One of the most frequently mentioned limitations is the lack of accessibility in terms of infrastructure and specialized equipment in schools. P.E. teachers remarked that from an infrastructural point of view state schools are unequal. The modern schools have sports facilities which are accessible and well-equipped, whilst less modern schools do not cater for students with a disability to participate during P.E. Given the fact that P.E. teachers have to improvise without undergoing professional training and experience prior to and also after graduating, the majority of P.E. teachers feel unsure of their competence when teaching a student with a disability. Finance in this area is another problem, which was identified by the respondents. Half of the respondents in this study claimed that support from LSAs is lacking and in certain cases LSAs are not even present during P.E. From this study, it can be concluded that inclusion policy will be successful if policy makers draft policies which focus on maximizing the ability of the student rather than focusing on their disability, and by ensuring that the necessary infrastructure, resources and training are in place. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/31670 Title: The multifaceted realm of the Maltese sex industry : analyzing the local context through the views of professional stakeholders Abstract: This research study aims to explore the ways that professional stakeholders define sex work and the current situation in terms of policies and services. In addition, this dissertation looks at the biability of different policy models adopted in other EU countries for the industry of sex work in Malta and the implications of these policy models on services, further outlining the barriers and drivers that would lead to changes to current laws and policies. A qualitative research design was chosen to attain an in-depth understanding of how different profession stakeholders view the current industry of sex work in Malta. Data was collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with nine participants. The research participants are all professionals who have either worked (or are working) with sex workers or else are knowledgeable on the field of sex work. The inclusion of different professionals enhanced this study through gaining various opinions regarding this industry. The emergent data from the interviews was subjected to a thematic analysis. This study generated some interesting and contrasting findings. Participants proposed models that would be the most effective for our local scenario, highlighting barriers which hinder the local situation to change. In addition, perspectives on sex work differed from one professional stakeholder to another; mainly depending on their line of work and their relation to this field. These findings suggest a number of recommendations for further research as well as programmes and policy structures which would better address the reality of this phenomenon. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z