Youth participation in voluntary organisations : the European values study in Malta

Abstract

In the Mediterranean city-island Malta there is an observed decline of young people's participation in traditional voluntary organisations. Youth leaders are concerned that parish-based activities are reaching only nine percent of young people (Debono 1998). Sociological studies reveal how youths have become increasingly critical and alienated from the Church (Abela 1998: 32-33; 48; Pollo 1995: 44; 75). Most young Maltese are brought up in a homogeneous culture of closely-knit communities but tend to move on to multiple destinations shaping individualised lifestyles and social groupings in a globalised environment (Abela 2000a). As in other European countries, the upcoming generation is experiencing greater discomfort and deviance (Abela 2000b). At the same time, fund-raising activities for social projects break new records every year (Kerygma's Volleyball Marathon, Community Chest Fund) and youth participation in new socio-religious movements (Charismatic Youth Fellowship, Festa Zg/iazag/i) and youth exchanges programmes in the European Union are reported to be on the increase. For a better assessment of youth participation in voluntary organisations, this study undertakes a comparative analysis of the European Values Study. It seeks to uncover the values that motivate youth participation in old and new social groupings. It examines change in the values of youth voluntary workers in terms of their social characteristics, leisure patterns, political activity, trust in others and confidence in social institutions, and solidarity towards people in need.