Malta Sociological Association Becomes Full Member of the European Sociological Association

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) is pleased to announce that it has been formally accepted as a full member of the European Sociological Association (ESA). This development marks a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing efforts to promote sociological scholarship, collaboration, and dialogue at both the national and international levels.

Membership in the ESA will enable the MSA to strengthen its engagement with a wide network of sociologists across Europe, fostering opportunities for research partnerships, knowledge exchange, and participation in key sociological debates. It will also allow the Association to contribute more actively to the advancement of sociology as a discipline within the European context.

The MSA views this achievement as an important step in its mission to support the sociological community in Malta, encourage critical inquiry, and facilitate cross-border academic collaboration. The Association looks forward to working closely with the ESA and its members in the years ahead.

For more information about the Malta Sociological Association and its initiatives, please visit our website.

MSA Sociology Club Hosts Second Event on the Role of Community-Based Organisations

The MSA Sociology Club is pleased to announce its second event, titled "The Role of Community-Based Organisations", which will take place on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at 7:00 PM at Każin Pinto San Sebastjan, Ħal Qormi.

This event will focus on the important role that community-based organisations play in fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening social connections within localities. Through their initiatives, such organisations contribute significantly to building cohesive, resilient, and supportive communities.

The discussion will feature guest speakers from local community organisations, who will share their experiences, challenges, and achievements in the field. Their insights will provide a deeper understanding of the social impact such groups have and how they can be further supported and empowered.

Following the discussion, attendees are invited to remain for an informal networking session at the bar. This will offer participants an opportunity to continue the conversation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Attendance is free of charge , but please register to secure your place.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/eSufn5Zb6wKsauHE9

The MSA Sociology Club welcomes all members of the public to participate in this event, whether they are actively involved in community work or simply interested in learning more ab
out the subject.

Public consultation Feedback - National Alcohol Policy

The Malta Sociological Association acknowledges the National Alcohol Policy. The MSA recommends that a structured Social Impact Assessment (SIA) framework is built into its implementation. SIA is a process for identifying, analysing, and monitoring the social consequences of policies, programmes, or projects, ensuring that decision-making accounts for how interventions affect individuals, families, communities, and social structures. It combines quantitative indicators with qualitative insights and participatory engagement to track both intended benefits and unintended consequences over time.

While the proposed monitoring mechanisms in the Policy emphasise consumption and health indicators, equal attention should be given to the social dimensions of alcohol-related harm. These include the effects of alcohol use on family dynamics, such as domestic violence and child neglect, on youth outcomes like absenteeism and early-age drinking, on workplace productivity and safety, and on community life. To this end, the MSA also advises the inclusion of stakeholder engagement, including local councils, youth organisations, and social services amongst others, ensuring that communities and affected sectors are directly involved in reviewing social outcomes and recommending adjustments.

☀️🌊 Summer Get-Together! 🌊☀️

 📅 Date: Friday 22nd August

🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Vecchia Napoli, L-Għadira, Il-Mellieħa

This event is open to all MSA members, and you're more than welcome to bring along your family and friends.

Enjoy a delicious meal and some fresh sea air as we unwind and catch up before the summer ends!

📝 RSVP by Monday 18th August

Secure your spot by filling in the RSVP form:
👉 https://forms.gle/8oLf2ByqKgJ9E6Kt9

Registration for the #MaltaSociologyConference2025 is now Open!

 The Malta Sociological Association will be organising the #MaltaSociologyConference 2025 on Saturday 8th November from 8:30am until 1:30pm. Location details will be announced soon. 

The theme of this year's conference, which is sponsored by APS Bank, is Sustainability and Society.

To register:

Early Bird fees: Free for members; 30 Euro for non-members Valid until: 31st August 2025.  

Conference fees after 31st August: 15 Euro for members; 35 Euro for non-members

To join or renew your membership with the MSA click here

To register for the conference click here 

MSA's Feedback to the Social Climate Fund Public Consultation

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this consultation and supports the principle behind the Social Climate Fund, that of ensuring a just and inclusive transition to climate neutrality.

The SCF aims to provide targeted support to vulnerable individuals, households, and enterprises facing the greatest challenges during this transition by addressing the socia
l repercussions of the EU’s revised Emission Trading System (ETS). Given that the Fund is meant to achieve a social impact targeting vulnerable groups, the MSA recommends the adoption of an impact assessment rooted in the sociological tradition – a Social Impact Assessment (SIA). While the approach (based on the SMM model) outlined in Section 6 of the consultation document regarding impact assessment may offer useful economic insights, it assesses impact in strictly aggregated and macroeconomic terms. As such, it risks overlooking the complex social realities that shape how different groups experience climate-related measures, particularly those defined as vulnerable, which are the target group of this Fund.

We therefore strongly recommend the integration of a SIA alongside economic modelling. An SIA would allow for a deeper understanding of how the proposed measures affect people’s lives, particularly those vulnerable. It would also offer a framework to anticipate unintended consequences, enhance participatory planning, and improve the targeting and equity of social investments.

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 and report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

A just transition requires attention to heterogeneous social impact, lived experience, social cohesion, and structural inequality. We urge the inclusion of social impact monitoring throughout the implementation period to ensure inclusivity.

MSA's Feedback on the Renewal of the current IPPC permit of Malta North Waste Management Facility

The Malta Sociological Association notes the application for a renewal of the IPPC Permit for Malta North Waste Treatment Facility, IP 00011/24, submitted by WasteServ Malta Ltd. The MSA reiterates that permit renewals and variations should be informed by and form part of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA). An SIA would provide insight into how local communities perceive and are affected by the site (and changes to it), and could help identify mitigation measures that build public trust and reduce social tension. Such assessments are especially important in areas where residents have hosted waste infrastructure for many years and where cumulative impacts may shape public attitudes. Clear communication and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders are also essential to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe that integrating social dimensions into planning and permitting processes is not only good practice but a necessary step towards socially responsible environmental governance.

The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintend
ed 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 report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.