Social exclusion in Malta as an EU member state

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the poverty situation in Malta in order to put the social exclusion element into perspective. In fact, this research aims to assess the role that Malta, as an EU member state, has been playing to combat poverty and social exclusion. In this regard, the role of EU member states is explained through the effects of economic integration and the measures that are in place such as Cohesion Policy and EU Directives that help achieve the poverty and social exclusion indicators as part of the EU2020 targets. Poverty is one factor that paves the way to social exclusion. Since poverty in Malta is said to be a 'hidden' aspect, this dissertation enables the reader to understand that relative poverty in Malta is in fact real. The research carried out is based on a qualitative method. In addition, the main units of this research include the key poverty factors that feature in Malta. The poverty factors featuring in Malta are the most vulnerable categories of individuals or families in society that are at a greater risk of being subjected to poverty and eventually social exclusion. These categories include: a) unemployment in Malta, b) youth unemployment, c) early school leavers (ESL), d) single parenthood, e) women and f) elderly. In this regard, Malta's role in combating poverty and social exclusion is clearly presented through the different measures that were either implemented or n!0c11tly proposed by the Maltese governments in the past years. In conclusion, the research of this study aims to raise awareness in addressing poverty problems that are still evident in Malta, specifically those factors that unfortunately still lag behind. If awareness is in place there is a greater possibility of having the relevant actors stepping in so that where necessary action is taken.