The MSA has presented its views as part of the Public Consultation on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia.

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) submitted its contribution to the Public Consultation on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia:

Sociological research has long shown that end-of-life decisions are not made in a social vacuum, but are shaped by family relationships, religious beliefs, access to care, and trust in institutions. In this light, the MSA recommends incorporating a sociological lens to better understand how such policies impact not only individuals and families but also institutions, professional practices, and broader cultural values surrounding life, care, and death. This perspective also enables the examination of how inequalities in these areas may influence people’s choices and experiences, and raises important questions about how to ensure that decisions of this nature are truly voluntary and informed.

To this end, we urge that a structured Social Impact Assessment (SIA) be integrated into this policy process. An SIA can help identify how different social groups may be affected, ensure that safeguards are responsive to real-life contexts, and offer ongoing insight into how such legislation is experienced across society. Public debate must remain grounded in evidence, and informed by an understanding that moral decisions are shaped by social and cultural
conditions.

According to the International Association for Impact Assessment, SIA refers to “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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders, including sociologists, ethicists,
healthcare professionals, and affected communities, and which report back to ensure effective policy processes.

                                  

Call For Speakers: Visibility of the Invisible International Webinar - "Exploring Hidden Struggles in Mental Health"

The Malta Sociological Association is pleased to announce the 7th edition of its international webinar series “Visibility of the Invisible”, which will take place online on December 1st, 2025. The working language of the webinar will be English. 

This edition, titled “Exploring Hidden Struggles in Mental Health,” aims to highlight the less visible aspects of mental health challenges and social stigma. We invite 2 to 4 international speakers to share their knowledge, research, or personal perspectives on this important topic. We welcome proposals from sociologists, mental health professionals, researchers, educators, activists, and individuals with lived experience.

To apply, please send a short bio (up to 150 words) and a brief abstract of your proposed talk (up to 250 words) to maltasociologicalassociation@gmail.com by not later than 15 June 2025. Join us in making the invisible visible.

Launch of the MSA Sociology Club – Join us for our first event!

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) is pleased to announce the launch of the MSA Sociology Club. This is a new initiative aimed at creating a space for individuals interested in sociology to meet, engage in discussion and build connections. Our inaugural event will be a Wine and Pizza Night held at ir-Razzett tal-Qasam in Manikata on Thursday, 3rd July at 7:00 PM.

This picturesque rural venue is managed by Koperattiva Rurali Manikata, a farmers' cooperative that emerged in response to a proposed golf course development that would have displaced agricultural land. The cooperative's story is one of community resistance and sustainability which are values closely aligned with sociological inquiry. During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from members of the cooperative about their experiences, while enjoying wine and pizza in a relaxed and scenic setting.

 We warmly invite you to attend this first meeting of the Sociology Club, an opportunity to engage in dialogue, learn from real-world social action, and connect with others who share similar interests. The event is against a donation of 5 Euro. Registration for the MSA Sociology Club is via form (click here) until the 26th June.

Malta Sociological Association Newsletter - May 2025

 

Call for Abstracts: #MaltaSociologyConference 2025

 The Malta Sociological Association will be organising the #MaltaSociologyConference 2025 on Saturday 8th November. 

The theme of this year's conference, which is sponsored by APS Bank, is Sustainability and Society. MSA is inviting submissions of abstracts relevant to the conference. Papers may fall under different sociological areas and topics related to sustainability and may deal with aspects of Maltese society and/or adopt a comparative approach with other aspects in other societies.  

To propose a paper, please send a brief abstract (150-300 words) to the email address maltasociologicalassociation@gmail.com by not later than 20th June 2025.

MSA's position on the "Review of the 2006 Local Plan Policies for Rural Settlement"

The Malta Sociological Association welcomes the Planning Authority’s efforts to update and clarify the policies governing rural settlements. 

The MSA emphasises the importance of systematically incorporating Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) into the planning and approval processes for developments in rural settlements. While environmental protection is rightly foregrounded, the social dimensions of rural development — including impacts on community life, social cohesion, heritage, accessibility, and demographic sustainability — deserve equal attention.

The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's position on the "Partial Review of the Gozo and Comino Local Plan of 2006 for Ghajnsielem and Xewkija - Phase 2"

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation for phase 2 of Partial Review of Gozo and Comino Local Plan. 

The MSA reiterates its proposal for the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.