https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/699 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:33:21 GMT 2026-10-23T18:33:21Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150387 Title: Budgetary investment in the social Abstract: In this opinion piece, I argue that Budget 2027 should invest in understanding social dimensions of policymaking. Drawing on MSA - Malta Sociological Association proposals, I highlight the importance of sociological research, Social Impact Assessment and evidence-based policymaking that considers people’s lived experiences. Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150387 2026-10-11T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150299 Title: The latest political survey Abstract: In this opinion piece I refer to the latest Malta Today survey (October 2026). I look beyond party support and leader trust to discuss abstention, political loyalty, everyday experiences and the importance of credible electoral research. I also reflect on how issues such as electricity disruptions may influence public opinion, and why the loudest narratives do not necessarily reflect the wider electorate. Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150299 2026-10-18T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149881 Title: Considering suitable research methods for islands Authors: McMahon, Elizabeth; Baldacchino, Godfrey Abstract: The last 30 years have seen the consolidation of island studies as a field of research with particular imperatives and methodologies of interest to geographers and others, and not least the readers of this journal. This consolidation has been achieved through a range of strategies and practices from the involvement of government agencies and island development legislation and plans to the establishment of academic associations, dedicated scholarly journals, large-scale publishing projects in diverse locations and languages, conferences, interdisciplinary forums, postgraduate programmes of study, and collaborative research (including special journal sections, as here). [excerpt] Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149881 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149877 Title: Indignation narratives Abstract: In this article I look at indignation narratives from a sociological perspective. Indignation can be a legitimate response to injustice and a force for social change. But what happens when it becomes selective? Which injustices become visible, which identities are emphasised, and which voices are heard or excluded? I also look at polarisation, media narratives, the public “front stage” and the less visible “backstage” of society — and ask a simple question: What evidence would make us reconsider our own position? Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149877 2026-10-04T00:00:00Z