OAR@UM Collection:/library/oar/handle/123456789/254582026-06-13T04:06:38Z2026-06-13T04:06:38ZExploring perceptions and attitudes towards biobanking at the University of Malta/library/oar/handle/123456789/256202018-01-18T11:06:06Z2017-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards biobanking at the University of Malta
Abstract: This dissertation will explore the attitudes and perceptions towards biobanking of
individuals at the University of Malta. Biobanking entails contributing DNA samples or
other biospecimen to biobanks for research purposes with the aim of bettering public
healthcare. This can be seen as a new area of sociological research, especially
locally. This is what intrigued me in conducting research on the following topic. A
qualitative research design was used to gather data via semi-structured interviews
with students and academics at the University of Malta, n=5. Thematic analysis was
applied to the data, where the key themes outlined were: risk, trust, informed consent
and transparency. Analysis includes discussion of Marcel Mauss’s theory of gift
exchange in relation to the act of biobanking.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.STUD.2017-01-01T00:00:00ZThe new fashion for old houses : a sociological understanding of ‘character’ within houses of character/library/oar/handle/123456789/256192018-01-18T11:00:03Z2017-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: The new fashion for old houses : a sociological understanding of ‘character’ within houses of character
Abstract: This qualitative research delves into the sociological understanding of the concept of
character within houses of character. This concept is explored from the experiences
of people who are involved in the creation and social production of houses of
character. The notions and concepts that have been analysed in relation to the making
of such houses include gentrification and class; the invention of tradition; developerdriven
and formalisation; heritage; and modernity. The data gathered through in-depth
interviews and real estate magazines is analysed in consideration of literature about
gentrification, the invention of tradition, heritage and lifestyle.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOC.STUD.2017-01-01T00:00:00ZFemale participation in Maltese band clubs/library/oar/handle/123456789/256182018-01-18T10:59:09Z2017-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Female participation in Maltese band clubs
Abstract: By adopting a triangulation method, the main objective of this research study is analyse to
sociologically women activism in Maltese band clubs. This research study was carried out by
questionnaires with band clubs over Malta and Gozo and with ten qualitative interviews with
females that occupies different roles within these clubs from various localities around Malta.
The main objective of this research study is to analyse if there is female discrimination within
these males dominated clubs, if family and household reponsabilities are the main cause for lack
of female involvement and to find out if there are barriers that are affecting women to occupy a
position in the decision making bodies of these clubs.
With the use of sociological theories, the researcher analysed the data collected and came up
with major conclusions that in these male-dominated social clubs there is gender equality and
there are no artficial barriers that are preventing women from advancing in occupying prestigious
roles in such clubs. However most of the females that are in decision-making boards are
members without roles, which this shows the lack of power females have in these boards.
Moreover females in such clubs are more inclined to gender stereotypical roles mainly related to
cleaning.
From the data collection was found that females were not always accepted to participate in these
clubs, especially in decision-making bodies. As a result was founded the Female Section within
band clubs to organise social activities that are still present in these clubs. It was concluded that
voluntary work is giving a lot of satisfcation to women, and enhance various skills and social
interaction.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIOLOGY2017-01-01T00:00:00ZExperiences of women employees in decision-making posts/library/oar/handle/123456789/254902018-01-08T10:10:34Z2017-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Experiences of women employees in decision-making posts
Abstract: Women, in Malta, in decision-making posts, are in minority, compared to men in
decision-making posts. Therefore, in my thesis, I look at certain themes that all relate
to the experience of women employees in decision-making posts; for example: the
male breadwinner model, including the interaction with the policy; work-family
balance, barriers/obstacles/challenges women face when entering in a decisionmaking
post and when working in a decision-making post; and looking at the
situation of women when being in a decision-making post, in the European Union,
from the Commonwealth Perspective, and in Malta. I analyse my data in light of
these themes.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIOLOGY2017-01-01T00:00:00Z