https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2968 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:26:42 GMT 2026-04-18T23:26:42Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3304 Title: Young adults and unemployment factors contributing towards unemployment : a Northern Harbour perspective Abstract: Unemployment among young persons is a strong issue in today's world due to the significant high rates of unemployment in many countries (Farrugia, 2005). On the other hand, statistics clearly portray that young adults have a higher chance of being unemployed when compared to other generations (World Youth Report, 2003). Unemployment at a tender age can influence the person throughout his/her life, resulting in the person encountering difficulties in the employment arena throughout his/her life (Hammer, 1996). This might also lead to the unemployed person dissociating him/herself from society resulting in damage both to society and its system as well harm to the individual per se (Nyyssola, 1999; Youth Unemployment a Universal Problem, 2000). This study attempts to study the factors that contribute towards unemployment among young persons. It is based on three localities, Birkirkara, San Gwann and Hal Qormi, which are part of the Northern Harbour Region. A structured interview guide was used as the tool for data collection. The interview was conducted with 21 persons from the above mentioned localities; participants were chosen using a stratified random sampling technique from the list of persons who were currently registering as unemployed with the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC). Abstract xv Most of the results in this study correspond to the results and studies done both locally and internationally. Family background, Educational Background, Psychological state and Job search and preparation are the factors that were analysed through this study. The family socio-economic background together with parental education have been perceived as influencing unemployment among young persons in the various studies analysed. However, no evidence was found through this study with regards to inter-generational unemployment, since none of the participants came from families whose parents were currently unemployed. Lack of education was also reckoned as a factor that contributes towards unemployment among young persons interviewed in this research, as most of the participants had a relatively low level of education. The importance of qualifications, training and credentials was also felt for the boosting of employment probability among participants. This research also looks briefly at job preparation and job search, showing that these young persons are currently searching for work and not opting for unemployment. The majority of participants felt that they were well prepared for the world of work. Furthermore, this research looks upon the psychological effects of unemployment, and Abstract xvi results indicate that unemployment accompanies the unemployed persons with feelings of helplessness and worry, although none of the participants argued that such feelings hinder their search for employment. These results are to provide a better picture of the factors that influence unemployment among young adults. Through more understanding, such factors can be better addressed and tackled. Such actions will help both the young adults through their difficult unemployment transition, while on the other hand society in general will benefit from such results. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.WORK Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3304 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3249 Title: From Africa to Europe : uncovering the experiences of a physical and an emotional journey of sufferings Abstract: This study is aimed at uncovering the experiences that irregular immigrants go through before reaching our shores. After conducting a pilot study, five irregular immigrants from different countries in Africa were interviewed. The study took the form of ‘narrative interviews’, where the participants related their story by starting with the reasons that made them flee from their country, followed by a description of the experiences that they went through in their journey. The main reasons why the participants left their countries seem to be fear of their own life and economical reasons. In their journey the three common and most dangerous milestones are the crossing of the Sahara desert, their stay in Libya and the boat journey towards Europe. A description of the dangers in each aspect of the journey is given as described by the participants. Thus the discussion of this study revolves around the fact that irregular immigrants undergo through a journey of physical and emotional sufferings that start off in their countries and continues in their journey towards Europe. The source of sufferings in their country is the governmental system characterised by corruption, while during their journey the fact that they travel ‘illegally’ and without documents. The common experiences of sufferings experienced by the participants take the form of financial hardships, mistreatments, deaths of people, fear and helplessness. Therefore people working with irregular immigrants, specifically social workers and social policy makers should be considerate and sensitive towards the sufferings that irregular immigrants go through before reaching on our shores, in order to understand and help the immigrants deal with their past experiences, while supporting them in building a present and a brighter future. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.WORK Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3249 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3114 Title: Friendliness of family-friendly measures : a study with service providers and service receivers Abstract: Juggling family and work commitments is a daily challenge faced by parents who strive to integrate their full-time occupation with the upbringing of their children. This study presents findings obtained from service users (families from the South East District) and service providers of family-friendly measures. It examines to what extent family-friendly measures are serving their purpose in the context of families that seek to integrate work and family responsibilities by assessing four main measures; maternity leave, parental leave, flexible working hours and childcare facilities. The main technique used to obtain findings was mainly of a qualitative nature. Simultaneously, though, quantitative questions were also incorporated in order to provide the required statistical data. The majority of findings, which were obtained through a face-to-face interview approach, concur with the outcome of other studies found in the literature review. What this study concludes, in fact, is that the current Maltese policies addressing work-life balance still lack the dynamism required to meet the family's daily needs. This study, therefore, seeks to give a number of recommendations that could serve to ameliorate the present situation by making family-friendly measures friendlier for service users. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.POL. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3114 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3112 Title: Breaking the barriers : overcoming the hurdles encountered by deaf persons in their day-to-day life Abstract: The disability sector is very broad one; however, many a times the general public's perception of disability is stereotypically that of persons who are wheelchair users, or persons with any other visible physical impairments. In reality, impairments vary in diagnosis and in degree. This research attempts to provide more awareness on one particular impairment; Deafness. Through this research it is hoped that the wider community would become more acquainted with how members of the Deaf Community view their impairment, the societal barriers they encounter, and how they live their daily life despite the hurdles encountered. Furthermore, this research aims to give more voice to the Deaf Community, since to a certain extent, it is a neglected area of research locally, and thus there is a certain degree of lack of information. The data collection for this research has been done through qualitative methods, particularly emancipatory research. Emancipatory research enables both researcher and research participants to act as partners in the research, which creates more trust in the relationship. Emancipatory research also enables the researcher to enter and be part of the community and culture being studied and thus, gain better understanding of their reality. From the data collected, it was very interesting to discover how Deaf persons are able to adapt to whichever circumstance and are very resilient and flexible in any situation presented to them. Members of the Deaf community are able to creatively communicate with persons who may be ignorant of the communication needs of Deaf persons. Deaf individuals have a positive view of their life experiences and, as a community they are very open to others, ready to include new members in any way possible, whether these members ha Furthermore, from the literature collected as well as from the observations conducted, it is very evident that Deaf persons view themselves as a language minority; thus, they often choose to engage in activities with other Deaf persons, where communication is fluent through sign language. Nonetheless as a minority group within society, they do seek for inclusion, which is a human right of every individual. Throughout the research, together with research participants, it has been pointed out that although Deaf persons may be able to adapt to situations and achieve goals like anyone else, there are certain integral systems within society, such as the educational system, medical systems and other services, which have not adjusted adequately to meet the needs of Deaf persons. Such adaptations are crucial in order to ensure that the Deaf person's right to equality and full inclusion in society is being upheld. Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.WORK Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3112 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z