/library/oar/handle/123456789/123755 2025-12-21T16:38:56Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/78772 Title: Studies in Social Wellbeing : volume 1 issue 1 Authors: Cole, Maureen; Bonnici, Jamie Abstract: Studies in Social Wellbeing (SSW) is an online, peer-reviewed, open access journal with an international focus on topics related to wellbeing from a social perspective. We look for contributions that engage with research that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, equity and equality. Contributions are welcome from scholars carrying out research in a broad range of areas related to wellbeing, including but not limited to counselling, criminology, disability studies, family studies, gender studies, gerontology, psychology, sociology, public health, social policy and social work, and youth and community studies. Our journal aims to promote original research which crosses disciplinary boundaries in an effort to stimulate knowledge-sharing in areas related to social wellbeing. The journal aims to have a broad scope, covering research from a wide range of academic disciplines, whilst also encouraging research papers with a niche focus on wellbeing. We encourage contributions from practitioners presenting their research or reflecting on their practice, as well as from post-graduate students. Co-authored interdisciplinary research articles are particularly welcome. The journal does not adhere to any single type of methodology; inviting qualitative and quantitative research studies that draw on various psycho-social approaches and philosophical orientations. The journal is owned and managed by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta. It only publishes manuscripts in English. The journal publishes one issue annually. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/78771 Title: Editorial Abstract: We are delighted to be launching Studies in Social Wellbeing (SSW), an online, peer-reviewed, open access journal of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta. The plan to publish a faculty journal took seed in the early days of the faculty’s life and has come to fruition nine years later through the commitment and hard work of many. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/78770 Title: Interview : reflections on wellbeing Authors: Galea, Gauden Abstract: Interview with Dr. Gauden Galea, public health physician, currently working as the WHO Representative in China, based in Beijing since April 2018. He has been coordinating the collaboration between WHO and China across all health concerns, with a primary focus on: the COVID-19 response, the review of a decade of health sector reform, advocacy for tobacco and alcohol control, and exploring the digital health landscape of China. On behalf of the Western Pacific Region of WHO, he has been coordinating an effort promoting innovation in public health within the "For the Future" vision of the Region. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/78769 Title: The independent living movement and capitalism : challenges and contributions Authors: Callus, Anne-Marie; Vella, Sue Abstract: This article critically discusses how the Independent Living Movement (ILM) both reflects and challenges capitalism, especially its contemporary neoliberal variant. We first take a brief historical look at disability. Since time immemorial, physical and intellectual impairments have been viewed negatively, and these views - together with structural barriers – have served to disable people with impairments. The Enlightenment heralded social reform, yet the emerging scientific tradition medicalised and marginalised disabled persons who came to be seen as tragic and dependent. This was true of capitalist and state socialist societies, as both saw disabled persons as less productive and often in need of institutional care. Excluding disabled persons is not, therefore, solely a function of capitalism. Indeed, it was in capitalist societies that the Disabled People’s Movement freely and successfully mobilised after the 2nd World War. This Movement developed the social model which, unlike the medical model, explains disability in terms of societal barriers which need to be removed. The spread of neoliberal philosophy from the late 20th century has had a paradoxical impact. On the one hand, its notions of choice, control and autonomy have provided a further impetus to independent living aspirations; on the other hand, austerity, welfare conditionality and a narrative of self-reliance have undermined effective independent living services. We argue in favour of a relational, interdependent view of autonomy, and for the political choices necessary to stamp out discrimination, ensure labour market integration and support the independent living aspirations of disabled persons. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z