This months Works in Progress Seminar Series (WIPSS) by the Faculty of Arts, University of Malta will be on – Finding Locality in a ‘Dynamic Metropolis:’ a study of civil society networks in localities in Malta.

This is by Maria C. Borg, who is reading for a PhD in sociology with the University of Malta and is Secretary of the Malta Sociological Association.

Her main research interest is the study of civil society, particularly voluntary organisations.

Ms Borg said that the 2021 census shows that Malta has seen a ‘steep incline’ in population growth since the previous census in 2011, as it grew by 24.6%, with the number of non-Maltese living in Malta increasing by five times (National Statistics Office, 2022).

The State of the Nation 2023 survey indicates that 27.3% identify with their locality. This research aims to explore the making of locality in this ‘dynamic metropolis’ through a study of the networks of voluntary organisations active within localities in Malta.

She noted that, networks are an important element of Maltese society, where ‘everybody knows everybody’ (Boissevain, et al., 1990), and whose inhabitants ‘wear many hats’ (Baldacchino, 2012; Boissevain, 1974).

“This research understands civil society as a ‘complex and fragile ecosystem’ (Edwards, 2020, p. 28) and will be considering the networks between organisations within localities, and their relation with institutions and politicians,” said Ms Borg.

The research will be using paired comparison, through a most-similar systems design. This can highlight the ways in which similar systems in 2 localities may differ; can confirm tentative findings in an exploratory research; and can trace the different paths to similar conclusions (Tarrow, 2010).

The study uses Social Network Analysis, a cache of methods and approaches the researcher uses to harvest, organise and analyse collected data on relations.

Ms Borg explained that the presentation offers a work-in-progress overview exploring the main theoretical considerations and methodological opportunities and challenges of this research which works towards giving new insight into the structures and relations within localities in Malta, and how these impact locality life, in a rapidly changing local environment.

Key words: civil society; Malta; Locality; voluntary organisations; social network analysis

Convenors are Prof Michael Briguglio, Francois Zammit and Daniella Debono. The WIPSS seminar is on Thursday, the 23rd of November, between 6pm-8pm, at the Faculty of Arts Library, 2nd floor, Old Humanities Building, University of Malta

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