/library/oar/handle/123456789/91523 2025-12-25T05:09:40Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/98828 Title: The perception of feminization of social work in Malta and the role of leadership Abstract: This study on the feminisation of social work aims to explore what motivated social workers to choose this profession, their opinion on the numerical domination of women in social work and whether there is a gendered division of labour in this field, vertically and horizontally. These questions were answered and explored through a qualitative approach where semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted via Zoom with six participants. The data obtained was then analysed by means of thematic analysis, through which a number of themes were identified. The findings show that stereotypes on social work and social workers persist to this day - that is the fact that social work is a woman’s job. In addition, the findings show that there are still a minority of men who opt to become social workers, although the number has improved over the years. The key results show that men are asked to do certain tasks - such as the moving of furniture and being present in encounters when there is the liability that clients might have issues. The aspect of masculinisation and feminisation of service is rather balanced. Certain services, which necessitate that the social workers are more assertive and in services where there are a majority of male service users, one is more likely to find male social workers there. On the other hand, when it comes to clients who are victims of domestic violence, which in the majority of cases tend to be female service users, the social workers tend to be female. The findings of this study show that there is a need for more men in the social work profession, as this was a particular theme which was identified through the research. Through this study’s findings, one can also conclude that one will find both men and women in managerial positions in the profession, although the number of men in these positions might be over-representative of the number of men employed in this sector. Further studies on this regard are suggested. Further suggestions and recommendations that arose from this research have been included in the concluding chapter. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/98826 Title: From behind bars to living in cars : the struggle of housing, post incarceration in Malta Abstract: Research on ex-prisoners in Malta is very limited and therefore this minority is often discriminated against. From being denied employment to the unfair provision of social welfare benefits, ex-prisoners face a number of obstacles in their path to re-integration. Due to the lack of agencies which work with ex-prisoners, and therefore a lack of participants available to participate in the study, an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used. Through a detailed review of literature, a number of issues which former prisoners face during reintegration came out. These issues were highlighted in the literature review which are; the issues for housing from a social work and social policy perspective, the ex-prisoner’s racial background, the presence of tattoos, the educational level of the individual and whether they have employment upon release, all in relation to the ex-prisoners search for affordable housing. By using IPA, interview transcripts were broken down with the aim of pointing out key information which was later coded into a number of themes. The themes derived from the transcriptions were; money, personal, agencies, society, policy level and courts. Following an analysis of the transcripts of the two interviews, it was determined which services former prisoners can benefit from upon their release. Furthermore, through the interviews it was brought forward that there are available policies which ex-prisoners can benefit from; however, there are certain criteria which restrict former prisoners from fully benefitting. Upon release from prison, former inmates are entitled for the unemployment social assistance by which they receive a weekly allowance. If they are able to find employment within the first week after they receive their cheque, their unemployment benefit will be revoked, thus leaving them with roughly a €100 to buy food and pay rent until their wage comes in. Furthermore, former inmates are unable to benefit from the housing authority scheme by which the housing authority pays for half of the rent for accommodation due to a lack of funds upon release. In conclusion, there are some services which former prisoners may benefit from, unfortunately, they are deterred from doing so due to limitations. Furthermore, with some minor amendments to policy, such as a gradual revocation of monetary benefits instead of immediate, former inmates may have a much easier transition back into society. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/98824 Title: Eliciting the effects of adults who were victims of domestic violence as children through the experience of their social workers Abstract: The purpose of this study is to delve into the long-term effects on adults who experienced domestic violence as children, from the professional viewpoints of social workers. This research is considered important for different objectives. Apart from enhancing the support services in the social well-being sector it will help to investigate the difficulties of childhood victims through their lifetime. A further objective is to evaluate the current modus operandi and the crucial contribution of the different stakeholders. Five professional social workers were invited to share their perspectives of situations where they treated victims of domestic abuse. Grounded theory was employed as methodology to guide this research study. Findings were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, with each interview lasting about forty-five minutes. Each interview was recorded and transcribed. A thematic approach was adopted where simultaneously data collection and analysis occurred. Further, the actual analysis consisted of six phases: appropriate analysis to validate results, coding, interpretation of data, reviewing of themes, definition of the different themes and finally the report writing. Continuous comparative analysis was applied throughout. From the literature review and this research, it emerged that there are mainly two elements that could cushion the long-term effects of childhood abuse in adulthood. These are the parents’ influence in their child’s healing process and the timely intervention by professional workers. During the interviews, the need that all stakeholders uphold the notion of domestic violence and thus the various forms it can take was voiced by almost all participants. Furthermore, the findings showed that neglect and emotional abuse are high among the list of sub-categories associated with child abuse. This is mirrored in the literature research which stresses that the dearth of physical and emotional care, together with the absence of a safety household environment, are as well forms of child abuse. Likewise, the social workers insisted that neglect can be a form of ‘silent treatment’ leading to physical abuse. Henceforth, the urge for investigating school absenteeism was uttered by the participants as issues of child abuse could stem. A common characteristic of domestic violence is power and control. Moreover, this abusive experience also impinges on the child’s emotional and physiological characteristics leading to mental health problems. This insight was also reflected during the interviews where the respondents even claimed that childhood victims tend to normalize the abuse and play it down. However, this study also explored the resilience capability of certain victims who despite such traumatic experiences in their lives, they manage to overcome them and succeed in building meaningful relationships. Furthermore, this research clearly highlighted the requirement of a specialised team of front liners consisting of different stakeholders to provide timely and effective interventions. Following the discussion and analysis that emanated from both the literature review and findings, the concluding chapter of this study presents a series of recommendations towards a holistic optimisation of the current and future service provision that would benefit childhood victims of domestic violence. Topping these recommendations are changes in the delivery of information and education together with reengineering of procedures. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/98823 Title: Loneliness : the perspective of older persons in the Birkirkara community on what assists them to manage loneliness Abstract: How do older persons in Birkirkara define and manage loneliness? The purpose of this research study is to obtain information from the perspective of older persons in regards to what assists them to manage loneliness within their community and private lives. The research sought to address not only coping mechanisms of older persons in their community but also to gain further perspective into the definition of loneliness. On one hand, obtaining more definitions of loneliness aids in better understanding it as a concept. On the other hand, obtaining information from the older persons themselves on what assists them and what does not, helps in informing the community on what interventions are suitable for that population group in the community. The data was gathered from ten telephone interviews which included 5 males and 5 females all above the age of 65 years. The recordings of the interviews were transcribed and coded through the process of thematic analysis, out of which five themes emerged: Perceptions and definitions related to loneliness; Personal Aids to Managing Loneliness; Social Connectedness; The Birkirkara Community; and Barriers to managing loneliness. Through the thematic analysis a better understanding of loneliness was developed from the perspectives of older persons. Alongside this, light was shed on what the participants do day-to-day to manage loneliness, either on a personal and community basis. The interviews revealed a number of ways of how they cope with loneliness, in addition to what hinders them from applying these methods. This research concludes that during the COVID-19 pandemic loneliness was prevalent especially for older persons since older persons are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its physical and psychological harms due to their vulnerability. Technology and entertainment were seen as necessities and Godsend by many. Generally, participants looked at occupying their day with meaningful tasks and errands so as to manage their time efficiently. Many services, groups and programs were identified in the Birkirkara community however some participants mentioned that more information needs to be readily available. Alongside this it was noted that more outreach should be conducted by several professionals working within the community sector. This would allow those who are either uninformed or need encouragement, to be supported by the community. Recommendations for future research, service programs and developments in social work are also highlighted. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z