Welfare dependency in Malta : sociological issues

Abstract

Welfare dependency features regularly in the political and social discourse in Malta. Although, this is not a recent phenomenon it has gained prominence in recent years. In fact, the present administration in Malta embarked on a "welfare to work philosophy" and placed welfare dependency on the forefront of the national political agenda. In general, the study seeks to analyse, from a sociological point of view, the issue of welfare dependency in Malta. It attempts to collect information from experts and welfare beneficiaries to present a holistic picture of welfare dependency in Malta. The subjects‟ experiences are pivotal to investigate the tangibility of welfare dependency in Malta. Furthermore, the study seeks to establish the main factors contributing to the generation of welfare dependency in the Maltese society. The discussions with welfare beneficiaries are mainly held to probe into how the stigmatization of welfare use is interpreted. In addition, the study analyses ways and means to ameliorate the situation of welfare dependency in Malta.