The small-scale syndrome : career aspirations of Maltese and Gozitan secondary school students

Abstract

The pressure exerted by the socio-political and economic environment of the small island state upon its citizens may magnify the effects of the Small-Scale Syndrome, namely the principles of Monopoly, Intimacy, Totality and Emigration (hereunder referred to as the Principles) upon the career aspirations of students living in such states. The main purpose of this study was to examine whether the above-mentioned four factors could explain the differences in vocational preferences of Gozitan students in comparison to their Maltese peers.

The objectives of the study were pursued through a quantitative research approach. Findings were gathered through 321 questionnaires answered by Year 9 and Year 11 students attending two state secondary schools, one in Gozo and another one in Malta. The sample size accounted for 49.5% of the population.

Gozitan secondary school students were significantly more aware of the effects of monopoly when compared to their Maltese counterparts. However, both groups shared the same level of awareness about the dependency on government and politicians in office for successful employment. Gozitan students who wished to pursue a career in Gozo did not value good relationships and connections more than their Gozitan peers who wished to pursue a career outside Gozo. Moreover, students who intended to pursue an entrepreneurial career did not exhibit a higher intention to emigrate in the future when compared to the other students who wished to become employees.

Moreover, respondents with Maltese citizenship only were more likely to be aware of the dependency on government and politicians in office for successful employment and value good relationships and connections when compared to their peers with dual or foreign citizenship, who, on the other hand, were more inclined to emigrate.

This study indicated that Baldacchino’s (2018) analysis of Small-scale Syndrome may be used in conjunction with Gottfredson’s (2005) theory of circumscription and compromise as an analytical mechanism to understand the aspiration of youths residing in small island states.