Social networks : a comparison between two disabled families - in Malta and in Sweden

Abstract

This study was carried out during the academic year 1991-92 at the University of Lund, Malmo School of Education. The aim was to compare two disabled families - in Malta and in Sweden - with the same kind of disability. The Maltese man and the Swedish woman both have a severe rheumatism, that developed during their early childhood. We wanted to compare the formal as well as the informal social networks in the two countries and within the two families. The study is very limited, which is why it is not possible to draw any extensive conclusions. It indicates, however, that: - The formal social services function better in Sweden; - Due to cultural and traditional background, as well as a certain lack of social services, the informal social networks in general function better in Malta; - Both formal and informal social networks are needed to provide the disabled with a good quality of life; - Neither of the two countries are sufficiently taking care of and helping to develop the competences within the disabled individual as well as his/her environment.