https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/7743 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:12:50 GMT 2026-04-19T01:12:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/108051 Title: Locating the ‘Arab Spring’ : lived experiences of contemporary politics among Arabs in Malta Abstract: Mohammed Bouazizi’s tragic suicide in Sidi Bouzid in December 2010 marks the start of the Arab revolution that spread quickly to other Arab countries such as Egypt, Libya and Syria. The revolution has since become known in popular discourse mainly in the West as the ‘Arab Spring’, transmitting a general feeling of a revival of Arabness all over the world. This study aims to look at the way the revolution has transcended national boundaries, focusing on Arab migrants in Malta who have experienced, and continue to experience this revolutionary wave ‘far away from home’. This study questions whether Arab migrants may indeed feel part of a collective Arab political and social movement for change and if so, in what ways. It also asks what role is played by social networks on the internet and locally organised solidarity movements in bringing the Arab diaspora ‘closer to home'. This dissertation considers whether this collective Arab identity will slowly give way to a more fragmented one, wherein individuals or groups will tend to adhere to different political positions and views with respect to socio-political contexts in their country of origin, other Arab countries and their receiving country. Description: M.A.SOCIOLOGY Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/108051 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101009 Title: Women in leadership positions within the media industry Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the situation of women in leadership positions within the broadcasting industry in Malta. It investigates whether the opportunity exists for women to sustain leadership posts within the industry. It focuses on feminist theory (Gallagher, 2001) that the media is still hierarchical dominated by males, which gives emphasis not only to the increase of percentage of women present in the media, but rather in the meanings and significance given to their participation in the media. Another question which is explored is whether women encounter any barriers in achieving a hierarchical position within the broadcasting industry. This research also focuses on whether media content would be any different, that is if there would be a change to gendered balanced media content, if there had to be women at the helm of the industry. The in-depth interviews and expert interviews provided the results which demonstrate that women suffer vertical segregation since leadership is still perceived as a male credential. Findings also revealed that although there is an increase of women who have joined the industry, they still find it difficult in smashing the glass ceiling in such a patriarchal hierarchy structures that exists within the broadcasting industry. The invisibility of women in top positions is evident. The study identifies the cultural barriers and obstacles women are restrained with in attaining leadership occupation because of the social structural and economic environment that still constrains women's choices (Hakim, 2003). It also depicts the social constructed leadership practices perceived as the norm in order to be trusted in leadership position within the broadcasting industry. The study discloses essential awareness and clarifies the importance of women working in audiovisual industry of being gender sensitised towards their colleagues and also towards the TV audiences. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101009 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100542 Title: Desperate housewives or happy mums? Abstract: "The woman who strengthens her body and exercises her mind will, by managing her family and practising various virtues, become the friend, and not the humble dependent of her husband"(Wollstonecratt, 1995,p.99). The image of the happy housewife is that of a woman who provides sympathy and support for her breadwinner husband, and creatively brings up her children in a loving home environment. The purpose of this long essay is to identify whether Maltese women are satisfied as full time housewives and whether it was their choice to stay out of the workforce. The literature review spanned the period from the pre-industrial era to the present time concluding with the current situation among Maltese housewives. The results show how the housewife was always the pillar of the family and the prime carer. The quantitative research method was used in the form of a questionnaire. The research clearly highlights that the majority of Maltese women feel fulfilled with their choice as full time housewives. Other findings include the belief that the stereotype of a married woman stopping from work is no longer valid. With more childcare facilities nowadays women can make their own decisions whether to balance a carrier-family lifestyle or settle as a full time housewife. Nearly all the queries in the questionnaire were discussed and complemented with chai1s accordingly. The last part of this essay concludes with the summary of the findings and recommendations for future studies. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100542 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100263 Title: Football enthusiasm versus gender stereotyping : potential resistance to female footballers in Malta Abstract: This study sets out to investigate the reactions of parents towards their daughters playing football. To test this, it explores the potential existence of gender stereotyping, and its consequences on women's football in Malta. The research draws on data from a focus group of Maltese female footballers currently participating in a local Under 16 tournament. The findings highlight the prevalence of early male influence within the game. Fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins act as socialising agents by setting the example. Most of the girls recount the resistance by their mothers, because football is masculine, rough, dangerous, and harmful to girls! Few speak of parental passivity, and that sense of undecidedness brought about by a balance between 'fear of harm' and 'wish of a sport'. The girls meet football again in the schoolyard; here their peers invite them to join in the kicking, running and fun. These youths are smitten, and relate this excitement to their parents. Gradually, safety worries mellow down, as mothers realise that the girls' game is not that rough. This freedom of sportive fun mirrors their daughters' healthy youth, and mothers slowly come to accept this. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100263 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z