https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/7980 2026-06-16T23:29:47Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8138 Title: Abuse of social and welfare benefits : a study of the Maltese scenario Abstract: This dissertation explores the subject of benefit fraud and abuse in Malta. The study starts with defining the ideals behind social provision in democratic countries and the negative impact that benefit fraud and abuse has on society and on the economy. A brief historical overview of the evolution of the welfare state in the country leads to the current status of the welfare system. The researcher made reference to criminology and sociology material in the attempt to profile a Maltese benefit fraudster as well as to literature dealing with the subject on an international basis, in the full knowledge that all countries with a well-developed welfare system face the problem of fraud and abuse which creates significant challenges in terms of sustainability and adequacy. Local and foreign newspapers, in terms of reportage, editorials and opinion pieces were extensively used in that they provided ample material for the analysis of the subject. The decision to look closely at Social Assistance and Employment-Related Benefits emerged from local and international statements that these are the areas that are most widely abused. The focus on single mothers and invalids as recipients of benefits followed from an analysis of media material that clearly illustrated the perception that these are two cohorts that absorb a substantial amount of social provision funding. The author of this dissertation carried out in depth reviews with a number of professionals whose academic and hands- on expertise highlighted the issues of the culture of dependency and the issue of entitlement which neutralise the criminal aspect of benefit fraud, of systemic inefficiencies which facilitate the commission of fraud and abuse and underscored the attitude of a sector of the Maltese population to the receipt of public funds which are earmarked for those who are in need. The replies of the interviewees gave insights on the topics of political interference and of corruption where benefit fraud and abuse is concerned, drawing the defining line between perception and reality. The contributions of the interviewees gave clear proposals and recommendations for the introduction of changes to the current state of affairs and to new measures that are crucial in the ongoing battle against benefit fraud and abuse. Throughout this contribution the researcher kept in mind those who are truly in need and for whom the welfare system developed, in the strong belief that the wrongdoings of some should not stigmatise others. Description: M.A.SOC.STUD. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8137 Title: A study of organisational anomie and derivative mishandling Abstract: Over the years, companies suffering huge financial losses have always pinned the blame either on ‘derivatives’ or on what we today call ‘rogue traders’. Single individuals have always been accused of single handedly bringing down multimillion dollar companies overnight, trading in derivatives. Durkheim (1899/2008) claims that “When society suffers, it needs someone to blame, someone upon whom to avenge itself for its disappointments; and those persons whom opinion already disfavors are naturally singled out for this role”. The aim of this thesis is to determine whether these individuals acted out of their own free will (or greed) or whether other forces, in this specific case, anomie is to blame. Some social and psychological indicators of anomie were considered for this study. The works of Durkheim, Merton and Cohen on anomie were explored together with literature by McClosky & Schaar on psychological aspects of anomie. A mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative analysis was used to determine whether traits of anomie were present in a number of case studies and whether the actions of rogue traders can be attributed to anomie? The latter situation was analysed by means of a web based questionnaire administered to a number of individuals trading in derivatives. The study identified various traces of anomie to which the individuals in the case studies were particularly vulnerable. These included education, or lack thereof, age and psychological inflexibility. Fetishism of money emerged as a factor which is correlated and could predict derivative mishandling. Education was also a determining factor in derivative mishandling which transpired both from the case studies and also from the questionnaire. This study adds to the increasing body of literature on derivative mishandling and tries to associate this behaviour with anomie. Description: M.A.SOCIOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8083 Title: Using sport migration as a passport to economic freedom Abstract: This research project studies why athletic migrants migrate from their home country. Issues related to this topic include which country do they choose to move to, and how they manage to settle down and who helped them in the process. A total of twenty nine indepth interviews were carried out. Twenty one of these were football players with three of these being female football players. Eight of the total twenty nine participants were basketball players, of which five were female basketball players. Some of the participants were foreign athletes that migrated to Malta while other interviewees were Maltese athletes that migrated to foreign countries. Qualitative methodology was used for this research. Semi structured in-depth face-toface interviews were carried out with the athletes who were in Malta, and online ones with those who were abroad. Each interview was recorded and later transcribed. A phenomenological approach was used to see how the participants made sense of their migratory experience. From the analysis of the data it became clear that younger and older athletes migrate for different purposes. Younger athletes migrate to pursue their dreams of playing professionally abroad, to earn more money and/or to find who they are. On the other hand, older athletes migrate to keep earning money from sports, even if it means going to play at lower levels. At the same time, older athletes migrate to countries which enable them to play and to raise a family. Gender also played a part in migration patterns. Male athletes have more opportunities to migrate than female athletes and one reason for this is that much more money is offered to male athletes rather than female athletes. This would result in females opting for a different career outside sports. Description: M.A.SOCIOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8082 Title: Same-sex civil unions in contemporary Malta : a sociological understanding Abstract: This is a research study of fourteen same-sex couples, six couples who are in civil union and eight who are not, conducted in Malta following the legalisation of same-sex civil unions in Malta in April 2014. The focus of this study is the experiences of same-sex couples in civil unions. It examines whether and how the legalisation of civil union impacted same-sex partners’ commitment to each other, their presentation to others as a couple, and their being treated as a family by others. This dissertation explores the meaning and impact of the Civil Unions Act for same-sex couple relationships, their decisions about entering or not entering in Civil Union. Since all participating couples who are in Civil Union have marked their commitment with a public ceremony, this study also examines the meaning of their ceremony of commitment. Decisions to legally commit themselves in Civil Union were based on gaining legal protections, presentation to others and acceptance as a committed couple. The study explores the link between politics and same-sex civil unions as well as the relationship between public spaces and the private and personal civil union experience. Description: M.A.SOCIOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z