MSA Newsletter Vol 1 Number 2, 2023

 

2nd International Conference - Sociology of Southern Europe

2nd Conference on Sociology of Southern Europe, organised by the Malta Sociological Association

Date: Saturday, 11th November 2023

Venue: Valletta, Malta

To propose a paper, please send a brief abstract (150-300 words) to maltasociologicalassociation@gmail.com by not later than 15 July 2023.

One may also attend the conference without presenting a paper. Early bird deadline to register = 30 June 2023.

To register - Please fill in registration form - click here

Early Bird Participation fee: MSA members - Free, non-members 30 Euro. 

Participation also includes a coffee break.  You can also join the MSA and participate for free. If you wish to join the MSA, please follow the following instructions: http://www.maltasociologicalassociation.com/2019/10/join-malta-sociological-association.html

'Xebbajtuna' - Malta Sociological Association calls for mainstreaming of social impact assessments

In its feedback to the upcoming 'Xebbajtuna' environment protest on 27 May, the Malta Sociological Association said

"As a sociological organization, we are regularly giving our feedback to Maltese and European policy-processes, wherein we strongly appeal for evidence-based policy making as well as continuous and rigorous public consultation. In this regard, we have been appealing for the mainstreaming of social impact assessments, not least in Malta's environmental policies as well as in reaction to public consultation for individual development projects. Sociological research is an important tool in such instances"

The Malta Sociological Association is an independent organisation which aims to develop and promote sociological knowledge. The Association promotes sociological research and contributes toward facilitating the cooperation of people working within the sociological field. It also aims at understanding and analysing social problems for the improvement of the quality of life.

Public Consultation on Environmental Impact Assessment Report for ECOHIVE complex, Naxxar

                            

The Malta Sociological Association has submitted the following feedback with regard to 

Public consultation in relation to the Review of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for PA/00993/23

With reference to the consultation on the Public consultation in relation to the Review of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for PA/00993/23 , the Malta Sociological Association (registered VO 1323) has proposed that the Environment Impact Assessment in question employs a social impact assessment in an ongoing process.

The International Principles for Social Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.

An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises: To the contrary, they should be ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

In this regard, you may refer to international SIA standards, for example those set by the International Association for Impact Assessment, which is accessible from this link:
https://www.socialimpactassessment.com/documents/IAIA%202015%20Social%20Impact%20Assessment%20guidance%20document.pdf


Reference: Frank Vanclay (2003) International Principles For Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21:1, 5-a12, DOI: 10.3152/147154603781766491 

Public Consultation on the Draft National Action Plan for Organic Food - MSA feedback

With reference to the consultation on the Draft National Action Plan for Organic Food, the Malta Sociological Association (registered VO 1323) has proposed that the entire policy process employs social impact assessments in an ongoing process.

The International Principles for Social Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.

An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises: To the contrary, they should be ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

In this regard, you may refer to international SIA standards, for example those set by the International Association for Impact Assessment, which is accessible from this link:
https://www.socialimpactassessment.com/documents/IAIA%202015%20Social%20Impact%20Assessment%20guidance%20document.pdf

Reference: Frank Vanclay (2003) International Principles For Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21:1, 5-a12, DOI: 10.3152/147154603781766491

Public Consultation Feedback: EU-Cabo Verde Fisheries Agreement and Protocol – Way forward

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA, registered voluntary organization VO1323 - Malta) submitted its feedback to the European Commission's public consultation "EU-Cabo Verde Fisheries Agreement and Protocol – Way forward"

"MSA emphasizes that the entire policy process should employ social impact assessments in an ongoing process.

 The International Principles for Social Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.

 An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises: To the contrary, they should be ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

 In this regard, you may refer to international SIA standards, for example those set by the International Association for Impact Assessment". 

Reference: Frank Vanclay (2003) International Principles For Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21:1, 5-a12, DOI: 10.3152/147154603781766491.

Press Release: Malta Sociological Association holds its Annual General Meeting

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) held its annual general meeting and elected its committee for the current year.

During the meeting, MSA priorities for this year were highlighted. These include the setting up of a public directory of sociologists and interested members; public engagement on the role of sociology as an evidence-based tool for dialogue and policy-making; the holding of academic and social events; and incentives for members. 

The committee for this year is as follows:

Chairperson: Bridget Borg
Vice-Chairperson: Mariella Debono
Secretary: Maria C. Borg
Treasurer: Julian Micallef
Public Relations & Outreach Officer: Michael Briguglio
International Relations Officer: Ljiljana Cumura
Events & Training Officer: Brian Chircop

Committee Members: Valerie Visanich, Alan Seychell

The MSA is a non-profit making organisation. It is a non-commercial entity, which aims to develop and promote sociological knowledge. The Association promotes sociological research and contributes toward facilitating the cooperation of people working within the sociological field. It also aims at understanding and analysing social problems for the improvement of the quality of life.

More information about the Malta Sociological Association, including membership options, social media links, upcoming events, seminars and activities, may be obtained from www.maltasociologicalassociation.com