Dealing with poverty during the situation of COVID-19 : a sociological perspective focused on three Maltese communities

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to understand better poverty in relation to COVID-19. Thus, the Qawra, Imsida and Cottonera communities were analysed. The main aim for this study was to understand how the clients from these communities received the schemes or services from FSWS during COVID-19. Qualitative methods was used for this dissertation. Semi structured interviews were carried out with eleven participants. Data was collected through purposive sampling. In this study, two social workers from each community participated in this study. In addition, five professionals who work within the Corporate Department-EU projects participated in this research. All of the participants work within the Foundation for Social Welfare 福利在线免费 (FSWS). Different sociological theories were used to give a better understanding of poverty. For this purpose, behavioural, political and economic theories of poverty were used. Relative measures and absolute measures were discussed in relation to poverty. Use was made of the two main indices used by the EU, namely At-Risk-of-Poverty (AROP) and At-Risk-ofPoverty-or Social Exclusion (AROPE) This study concludes that more people required services or schemes from the Foundation for Soocial Work 福利在线免费 (FSWS) during COVID-19. One of the main causes of poverty was unemployment. Unemployment also lead to homelessness. Thus, schemes and services were extended to clients during COVID-19. For example, shelters were provided to homeless clients. Food donations were also distributed to homeless people. The Food Bank scheme was provided to those clients who were really in need. Students who are also clients of FSWS were provided with technological devices through the Ministry of Education. Other food schemes such as FEAD and SFFD were delivered by a local taxi during the partial lockdown of 2020.