The position of women in the Maltese economy 1900-1974

Abstract

This chapter gives an introductory account of the position of women in Malta. Today, the majority of Maltese women spend most of their time at work and at home. Therefore this is mainly a brief account of women's two roles with some reference to their legal & social status. Malta is situated approximately in the centre of the Mediterranean. Maltese society shares many striking features with the other surrounding countries. Nevertheless there are certain characteristics which distinguish it from other Mediterranean countries such as its small size, relatively high degree of industrialization and central position of the Church in Maltese society. In discussing the position of women we must keep such facts in Mind. It is well known that Malta's history has been influenced by its size and strategic location. For centuries, it was under British rule who as a strong naval power, used it as an Island Fortress. With Independence (1964) Malta had to change this outlook and create a new picture in which its economic activity must spin around Industry, Tourism and Agriculture. Could this change in outlook reflect any change in the position of woman in the Maltese Economy? This question will be investigated throughout [...].