Career barriers faced by people from Cospicua : the case of higher status jobs

Abstract

This study seeks to analyse the socioeconomic conditions of Cospicua to see whether these conditions are facilitating or hindering children from continuing with their education. The Second World War left a negative effect on the people of Cottonera as many sought refuge in other towns and villages, while the new housing built after the war was attracting people with different aspirations and with lower levels of education. Statistics provided by the Junior College and the University of Malta reveal that few young people from Cospicua make it to the University. In fact when compared to the other two cities of Senglea and Vittoriosa and to the more affluent three towns of Attard, Balzan and Lija, Cospicua has proportionately the least number of students attending tertiary education. Besides education, the standard of housing in Cospicua does not help the situation. Many people with social problems are still being attracted to the area thus contributing more to the stigma that Cospicua has carried with it for many years. In this study interviews were conducted interviews with key people from Cospicua or who were or are involved in the education of the children, who admitted that these social problems are hindering many children from continuing with their education. To substantiate these findings eleven interviews were conducted from people born and raised in Cospicua who have made it to University and are now occupying professional or managerial jobs. Suggestions are put forward so as to improve the socioeconomic situation of Cospicua so that hopefully more children can have the opportunity to improve their future.