An island's response to globalisation : the E.T.C. and the 40+ age group unemployed : a critical appraisal

Abstract

Globalization has had far-reaching influences on all nations. The rapid large-scale proliferation of transnational corporations worldwide creates serious irreversible global repercussions. Globalization exerts considerable pressure on Governments to adapt to the imperatives of world markets not least in their educational and welfare policies. A member of the EU, Malta now tries its best to fit into this wider dimension by adhering to membership directives and contributing its own input. The educational level of the workforce and the disproportionate inactivity of female and older workers are major issues requiring state intervention with targeted schemes through its public employment agency. The state and the community at large promote the concept of lifelong learning but tend to sacrifice the holistic component of education to economic and vocational considerations.