Sociological aspects of the Maltese Islands

Abstract

As people who promote sociology, we have devoted a great portion of our teaching time disseminating the theories, methodologies and concepts devised '.::>y British, German, French and American 'classical' sociological thinkers. This is what is stipulated by syllabuses devised by examining boards such as the Maltese Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate Examinations' Board (MATSEC). - In addition to this, we also have to cover sociological research conducted in First World countries that help explicate social change and social phenomenon. As one Examiners' Report for Advanced Level students underlines, "candidates are expected to be conversant with contemporary authors who have given a contribution to the development of society" (Chairperson, Board of Examiners, 2002, p. 7). It is often difficult to make students living in the Maltese Islands and exposed to a Maltese way of life feel very interested in what, for example, 'New Right' and 'New Left' are doing in Britain. Sociology as an Advanced Level subject would prove more interesting if, after learning what the classical sociologists had to say, we, as educators, moved on to explain and clarify what was happening in the Maltese Islands. The idea behind this book emerged primarily from the pedagogical needs we have encountered 2.nd identified as lecturers of Sociology. [excerpt]