https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123885 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:01:15 GMT 2026-04-11T04:01:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119871 Title: Studies in Social Wellbeing : volume 3 issue 1 Authors: Azzopardi, Andrew; Falzon, Ruth; Mifsud, Ruth Abstract: Community Transformations presents a collection of themed articles that touch upon issues contributing to modern-day societal changes. This special edition of Studies in Social Wellbeing seeks to provide a call to action after a global pandemic. Through interdisciplinary research, this journal delves into the dynamics of community development, addressing challenges and showcasing successful strategies for sustainable transformation. The diverse perspectives and best practices aim to inspire and empower readers, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in impactful initiatives that enhance the wellbeing and resilience of communities worldwide. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119871 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119869 Title: Editorial Authors: Azzopardi, Andrew; Falzon, Ruth Abstract: If we are to be honest with ourselves, we need to admit that communities are incredibly fluid and organic. There is no way we can predict the development of a community and how it will hinge on the social conditions that grow around it. However, this does not happen in isolation (Azzopardi, 2011). We live in a World characterised by ongoing changes and transformations resulting from our digitalisation, internal and external migration, changes in the economic model, travel, environmental and development issues, the impact of social media, and a dire cultural shift (Shaw, 2008). This is also within a context of post-truth that has left us reeling, trying to decipher what is true and what is not, creating a shadiness between an objective state of fact and the emotions that ensue that help swing the pendulum. [excerpt] Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119869 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119867 Title: The unseen impact : untold stories of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 - personal narratives from Bolivia, Niger, The Philippines, and Zambia Authors: Weber, Jörg; Schlupkothen, Dominique Abstract: This study offers a glimpse of the experiences of persons with disabilities during the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned across various global contexts. Through first-hand narratives, the research underscores the insufficiencies and exclusionary practices of social protection mechanisms and safety nets. However, it also showcases the supportive role played by Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). The study reveals the complexities surrounding access to health services during the crisis, with health-centre-congestion and fear of infection exacerbating existing obstacles. Despite these challenges, the pandemic also opened opportunities for increased involvement of persons with disabilities in response activities, fostering closer familial relationships, and prompting the development of new skills and resources. Some individuals reported improved personal hygiene and nutritional habits as well. The article concludes with recommendations for enhancing the inclusivity of future crisis response strategies, underlining the importance of involving mainstream and civil society actors. It advocates also more generally for a more proactive approach to disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, particularly in the context of increasing climate-related disasters. The research findings and recommendations aim to influence policy and practice, promoting more inclusive preparedness for future crises. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119867 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119865 Title: Malta : the rise of an anti-politics culture? An inevitable trend of depoliticisation and repoliticisation Authors: Vella, Mary Grace Abstract: Is the rise of anti-politics evidenced by the depoliticisation and repoliticisation of the political sphere viable within an embedded culture of high politicisation? By underlining the relationship between depoliticisation (expressed primarily through electoral abstention) and repoliticisation (expressed primarily through civic engagement), this paper discusses the plausibility of the rise of an anti-politics culture in Malta; a country characterised by near-universal election turnout, strong party loyalties, and an enduring two-party system. Taking Malta as a case study for both macro and micro-level analysis, the paper examines the country’s exceptional case of outstanding politicisation, in tandem with emerging trends of depoliticisation arising from partisan dealignment, presaging a repoliticisation of sociopolitical life through civic realignments. The rise of an anti-politics culture is examined and interpreted within the context of Malta’s bipartisan duality and political tribalism. Despite its bipartisanship engrossment, the rise of this anti-politics culture, characterised by greater cognitive mobilisation and a more rational assessment of parties evident through increased electoral abstention, floating and cross-party voting, as well as increased activism in non-electoral forms of civil participation, is seen to portend a progressive transformative shift towards realignment forces which demand more responsive and accountable systems of governance. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119865 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z