https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25458 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 23:51:43 GMT 2026-04-25T23:51:43Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25620 Title: Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards biobanking at the University of Malta Abstract: This dissertation will explore the attitudes and perceptions towards biobanking of individuals at the University of Malta. Biobanking entails contributing DNA samples or other biospecimen to biobanks for research purposes with the aim of bettering public healthcare. This can be seen as a new area of sociological research, especially locally. This is what intrigued me in conducting research on the following topic. A qualitative research design was used to gather data via semi-structured interviews with students and academics at the University of Malta, n=5. Thematic analysis was applied to the data, where the key themes outlined were: risk, trust, informed consent and transparency. Analysis includes discussion of Marcel Mauss’s theory of gift exchange in relation to the act of biobanking. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25620 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25619 Title: The new fashion for old houses : a sociological understanding of ‘character’ within houses of character Abstract: This qualitative research delves into the sociological understanding of the concept of character within houses of character. This concept is explored from the experiences of people who are involved in the creation and social production of houses of character. The notions and concepts that have been analysed in relation to the making of such houses include gentrification and class; the invention of tradition; developerdriven and formalisation; heritage; and modernity. The data gathered through in-depth interviews and real estate magazines is analysed in consideration of literature about gentrification, the invention of tradition, heritage and lifestyle. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25619 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25618 Title: Female participation in Maltese band clubs Abstract: By adopting a triangulation method, the main objective of this research study is analyse to sociologically women activism in Maltese band clubs. This research study was carried out by questionnaires with band clubs over Malta and Gozo and with ten qualitative interviews with females that occupies different roles within these clubs from various localities around Malta. The main objective of this research study is to analyse if there is female discrimination within these males dominated clubs, if family and household reponsabilities are the main cause for lack of female involvement and to find out if there are barriers that are affecting women to occupy a position in the decision making bodies of these clubs. With the use of sociological theories, the researcher analysed the data collected and came up with major conclusions that in these male-dominated social clubs there is gender equality and there are no artficial barriers that are preventing women from advancing in occupying prestigious roles in such clubs. However most of the females that are in decision-making boards are members without roles, which this shows the lack of power females have in these boards. Moreover females in such clubs are more inclined to gender stereotypical roles mainly related to cleaning. From the data collection was found that females were not always accepted to participate in these clubs, especially in decision-making bodies. As a result was founded the Female Section within band clubs to organise social activities that are still present in these clubs. It was concluded that voluntary work is giving a lot of satisfcation to women, and enhance various skills and social interaction. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIOLOGY Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25618 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25490 Title: Experiences of women employees in decision-making posts Abstract: Women, in Malta, in decision-making posts, are in minority, compared to men in decision-making posts. Therefore, in my thesis, I look at certain themes that all relate to the experience of women employees in decision-making posts; for example: the male breadwinner model, including the interaction with the policy; work-family balance, barriers/obstacles/challenges women face when entering in a decisionmaking post and when working in a decision-making post; and looking at the situation of women when being in a decision-making post, in the European Union, from the Commonwealth Perspective, and in Malta. I analyse my data in light of these themes. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIOLOGY Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25490 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z