Over the years, Malta, its development and wellbeing have become contentious subjects, often laden with partisan political perspectives.

Discourse in private and public spheres frequently leans towards support or opposition to specific policies or statements by politicians, seldom capturing the nuanced and complex dynamics of the spaces we inhabit and the people we live with and among. Recognising this gap, the Malta Sociology Conference aimed to create an open platform for exchanging and discussing evolving sociological knowledge about Malta. It provided an opportunity for students and academics to reflect on and discern Malta’s current social and cultural transformations.

Across three thematic panels—Changing Spaces, Culture and Consumption, and Policy and Practice—participants examined the intricate layers of life in Malta, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for the future. This initiative is the third international conference spearheaded by the Malta Sociological Association (MSA). In her introduction, Ms Bridget Borg, Chairperson of the organisation,  emphasised how the MSA is dedicated to promoting the value of sociological research and fostering collaboration among practitioners in the field.

Discussions on Changing Spaces delved into the evolving physical and social landscapes of Malta.

Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino, Stephen Galea and Daniel Solberg Bell presented research on house-naming practices, shedding light on the personal and cultural imprints of residents, offering a glimpse into unique local traditions.

Meanwhile, Daniel Gafa' explored the role of soundscapes in shaping a sense of place, emphasising the need to view noise management and sound preservation as essential components of urban policy.

This theme of change extended to the intersections of tourism and urban development, as Prof. Michael Briguglio and Dr Karl Agius introduced the concept of "realestatisation," unpacking how real estate developments influence both community life and tourism. Maria C. Borg’s study shifted focus to Malta’s voluntary sector, highlighting the diversity of women’s organisations and the need for greater connectivity to support diverse identities.

The theme of Culture and Consumption reflected on shifting behaviours and their broader societal implications. Christopher Borg offered thought-provoking insights of how digital platforms have transformed film consumption, while Donnah Calleja questioned whether circular economy principles in fast fashion genuinely promote sustainability or merely perpetuate consumerism.

Carmen Rita Bugeja shed light on hidden mental health tolls brought about by microaggressions in diverse workplaces, specifically within the restaurant industry, while Matthew Pulis reflected on how teens balance boredom, loneliness, and spirituality while navigating the pressures of a digital world.

The final panel, Policy and Practice, centred on actionable insights.

A presentation by Dr Abdurrahman Guelbeyaz challenged dominant migration narratives and urged a rethink of the "European refugee crisis" framework, advocating for more nuanced understandings.

Ljiljana Cumura, Matthew Pulis, and Luke Buhagiar’s comparative study revealed how prayer practices foster community engagement across Serbia, Denmark, and Malta, underscoring the enduring role of faith in social cohesion. Closing the presentations for the day, Prof. Carmel Borg called for socially engaged teaching practices, showcasing examples of community-driven initiatives that enrich teacher development and student learning. 

The proceedings included a presentation on the upcoming SociologyMT journal, a new publication by the Sociology Department at the University of Malta, scheduled for release in March 2025.

Dr Kay Polidano emphasised the importance of creating a platform to document emerging research initiatives. The journal aims to bridge the gap between sociological practice and public understanding, offering structured and accessible insights into the complex realities we navigate daily. It aspires to be a tool through which sociologists can engage with the wider academic community, presenting their knowledge in digestible, impactful formats.

The conference concluded with an open discussion, providing participants the opportunity to pose questions to the presenters and reflect on the role of sociologists in Maltese society. A notable critique highlighted not only the themes discussed but also the gaps in the conversation, challenging sociologists to broaden their focus to pressing, yet overlooked, issues. While topics such as overpopulation and cultural intolerance were addressed, migration itself received limited attention, with the sole exception being a contribution by Dr Abdurrahman Guelbeyaz from the University of Nagasaki.

Prof. Michael Briguglio offered a thoughtful reflection, advocating for a balance between understanding society, following Max Weber’s concept of verstehen, and acting upon that understanding in the spirit of Marxist praxis. A key takeaway from the conference was the call to position sociology not only as a tool for analysis but also as an instrument of hope. This vision encourages sociologists to move beyond simply interpreting social issues to exploring actionable innovations that can improve the quality of life, thereby making sociological practice both relevant and transformative.

This conference represented an important initiative by the Malta Sociological Association to bring sociological inquiry to the forefront of discussions on Malta’s evolving social landscape. By fostering dialogue and sharing diverse research, it highlighted the critical role of sociology in understanding and responding to the complexities of contemporary life on the islands.