Family Units 2017

FAMILY UNITS
AND
HOUSEHOLDS
Ms. Elena Scicluna & Ms. Romina Cilia

©
What comes to
mind when you hear
the word
…family?
MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

INTRODUCTION - THE FAMILY
 The family, whichever type it is, is very important for the

different family members as it helps them support, love and
respect each other.
 However, living in a family presents certain challenges.

 For a family to succeed and be healthy, it must respond well

to the challenges it faces.
 Some challenges include:
Loneliness Jealousy Lack of Privacy

Competition Sickness
Long Working Hours Arguing

 For a family to be healthy, all family members should care
and respect each other.
 All families have problems from time to time. One key to

dealing with these problems is communication within
the family.
 In a healthy family, members feel free to express their

thoughts and feelings, children and adults each can listen to
what the others have to say.

DEFINITION OF FAMILY
 Most people live in a family and the family is a very

important influence in our lives.
 We all have our own ideas about what we mean by family.

 Traditionally, the family has been defined as a group of people who are
linked through blood or marriage, typically centred on a married couple
and their dependents.
 However, within the population and housing census a broader definition

is applied.

 A family can be defined as:
A family ‘nuclei’ is constituted when two persons (of either sex)

choose to live together as a married couple, in a registered
partnership, or in a consensual union, whether or not they have
children; single parents with children also constitute a family unit,
…while people living alone do not, nor do groups of unrelated

people who choose to share a house together (for example,
students).

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES
On 15 May of each year, the United Nations

observes the
International Day of Families.

FURTHER READING…
 http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-
explained/index.php/People_in_the_EU_%E2%80%93_statistics_on_hou
sehold_and_family_structures
 http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-
explained/index.php/People_in_the_EU_%E2%80%93_who_are_we_an
d_how_do_we_live%3F

What is a
Household?

DEFINITION OF A HOUSEHOLD
 A household can be defined as one person living alone or a group of
people who share the same address and living arrangements.
 All families live in a household but not all households are families.
 A single elderly living alone is classified as a household.

Can you name some
functions of a family?

FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY
The family unit exists in many varied and changing forms but
the main functions of the family have remained largely the
same:
Provide the basic things…food, shelter (a place
where to live) and clothing for its members
Protects and supports its family members
Provide companionship (someone to talk to, to be
with)

 Contributes to society, as it is also an economic unit

 Educates children and prepares them for life
 Provide a loving, safe, secure and caring environment for
children

To care for the needs of the weaker members of

the family – the young, the old, sick, and member
with special needs.
For socialisation- to teach the children the

cultural and traditional background of the society
in which they live and to help them to play their
part accepting from, and giving to, this society.

SUMMARY OF KEY FUNCTIONS
Socialise
children
Financial
Housing
resources
Functions
Care, security Reproduction
and protection of the of children
family
Emotional Access to
needs for love services
Values, beliefs
and attitudes

Brainstorm…
Which are the different
types of family structures
which can be found in
today’s society?

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS - NUCLEAR
 This consists of parents and their child/children who live together (if
any).
 In the nuclear family, parents and children live separately from other
relatives.
 It is an independent group which manages its own affairs, with little or

no help/support from grandparents or relatives.
 This is the most common type of family found in Malta.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS - EXTENDED
 This is made up of a large group.

 It is a nuclear family plus other relatives who live in the same home,
area or nearby.
 It can include grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and
cousins. Example: Grandma living with her married daughter or son and
their children. Members of the family group help and support each
other in times of need.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS - EXTENDED
 An extended family forms a tight-knit community.

 In Malta, few extended families still exist. However, it is common again
for grandparents to live with their children and offer help and support,
especially since woman are starting to work more outside the house.
 Extended families are found mainly in societies based on agriculture and
which experience little social change such as in developing countries.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – SINGLE/LONE
PARENTS
 Children are brought up by one parent only. This may be due to
separation or divorce, death of one parent, separation because of long-
term imprisonment, lengthy hospitalisation, working abroad and parent
had never married.
 Lone/single parents have to take on the role of both parents, and this
can be difficult, sometimes leading to financial or emotional problems.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – FOSTER FAMILY
 A foster family is one which cares for children who cannot be cared for
in their own home (Abuse, neglect, poverty, illness)
 Fostering is temporary, but can be long term or short term.
 The foster parents may be paid an allowance for the care of the child.
Social services monitor the situation.

 The child can be returned to his/her own family once the problems
have been resolved.
 If an arrangement is not suitable for any reason, the child can be moved
to a different foster home.
 Fostering is NOT adoption. Technically, the foster parents have no legal
rights over the child. That still belongs to the biological parents.

 Short-term fostering can last up to 12 weeks and take the form of

respite fostering which provides a break for parents for a short time
or when parents work and do not have family or friends to tae care of
their children.
 Long term or permanent fostering lasts until a child reaches

adulthood. It takes the form of ‘substitute parent’ whilst not excluding
the biological family.
 Next of kin fostering occurs when the child’s parents themselves

identify members of the family to become foster carers to their
children.

ADVANTAGES OF FOSTERING
 It provides family care for children who cannot be with their parents.
 It does not have the commitment of adoption.
 It avoids children becoming institutionalised.
 Foster parents can offer much love to children who may be in need of
such warmth and affection.

DISADVANTAGES OF FOSTERING
 Foster parents may foster for the wrong reason and may not always
treat foster children well.
 If a child does not settle into the foster home it may be perceived as
another failure.
 Foster child may not get along with his/her foster parents.
 A strong attachment may be formed between the child and foster
parents. Foster parents must be ready to give the child back if the
biological parents request it.

FOSTER PARENTS MUST...
Undergo a 6 weeks training Look after the child as if they

programme were their own
Allow the local authority to Give up the child on request

visit
Care for the child’s health Bring the child up in his own
religion and culture

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – ADOPTED
FAMILY
 Adoption is a legal process whereby a couple undertake the
parental responsibilities of caring for a child as if she/he were their own.
 The child is given the adoptive parents’ surname and his/her first name
may also be changed.

FAMILY
 Children adopted are not necessarily from the same country as the
adoptive parents and this has lead to mixed-race or interracial families.
 The biological parents are legally not allowed to contact their child.
Should the child wish to find them s/he may do so when they are over
the age of 18.
 Putting up a child for adoption is no easy thing to do. Some reasons as

to why people may put their child up for adoption include unplanned
pregnancy (unmarried couples) or financial troubles.

FAMILY
 Adoption also offers an alternative to abortion. Through adoption, the
child can have a chance for a good life and can experience love and
happiness even if the biological parents can’t offer these things
themselves.
 For some celebrities, adoption has become very popular.

ADVANTAGES OF ADOPTION
 Offer the adopted child a family.
 Adopted children without family stability may find a good home and a
sense of belonging.
 Ensures permanent security for the child.
 Gives children a chance for love and affection.

DISADVANTAGES OF ADOPTION
 If the adopted child has special needs, family members may find it hard
to cope.
 It may be taxing on the family if the adopted child does not easily settle
down.
 If there are other children in the family, they may be jealous.
 Telling the child s/he is adopted may be difficult and may cause
problems.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – STEP FAMILY
 A step-family is one where the child or children are related to only one
parent.
 The step-parent will take on a parenting role.
 This usually happens when single parents (one or both) bring children
from a previous marriage and join together to form a new family..

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – RESIDENTIAL
CARE HOMES
 Children and/or elderly people who live in homes because

for some reason they cannot live with their families.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – SINGLE
PERSON HOUSEHOLD
 A person living on their own.
 More one-person households, a significant number of pensioners, and
separation/divorced has contributed to those at a younger age living
alone.
 It is also becoming more common for people to move out of their
parent's home and live alone at a young age. In the past, children would
live with their parents until they were married.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS – MULTI-
PERSON HOUSEHOLD
 A group of people living together under one household.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS-
COHABITATING FAMILY
 This is when a couple lives together in the same household without
getting married.
 This has become increasingly popular throughout western countries.
 In the past, cohabitation was considered to be something scandalous.
Today however, a growing number of couples in committed relationships
are choosing not to marry but still live together. Some may even raise
children together.
 Although cohabitation is becoming more popular, research suggests that
marriage is still more popular in Europe.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS- PARTNERSHIP
FAMILY
 This is a family structure where a couple of the same gender live
together.
 In the past, this type of family structure would not be found. However,
nowadays, society is becoming more accepting of these relationships.
 In fact, since April 2014 a Civil Union Law for same sex couples was
locally approved.
 It grants civil unions the same rights, responsibilities and obligations as
marriage, including the right of joint adoption.
 However, in most countries, these relationships are based on personal
commitment and mutual trust rather than law.

TYPES OF FAMILY UNITS- SAME SEX
MARRIAGE
 Became legal in Malta on 1st September 2017.
 This led to the banning of gendered words in legislations. Words

including ‘husband’, ‘wife’, ‘mother’ and ‘father’ will be scrapped from
countries marriage act and other laws and replace them with gender-
neutral terminology.
 It will also be made legal for gay couples to adopt children.

TYPES OF FAMILIES - INTERRACIAL
FAMILIES
 This family is made up of persons of different races, religions and
beliefs.
 This may happen through marriage or adoption.
 Interracial families may need to deal with differences in religion,
traditions and values.
 These differences may cause stress on the family especially if a partner
is very conservative of their beliefs.
 However, there is no need for the couple to give up their personal
beliefs. Rather they must find a balance between them.

Changes in the
Family Unit
Structure

CHANGES IN THE FAMILY UNIT
STRUCTURE
 The modern family has undergone significant transformations in its
structure.
 Societal changes have contributed to a sharp reduction in the
percentage of classical “typical” families.
 Family units take on a variety of forms all of which involve individuals
living under one roof.

THE CHANGING NATURE OF FAMILIES
 Smaller families
The number of children most couples are opting to have is also
on the decline.This is indicated by the fact that the total fertility
rate for 2014 is 1.54, which is well below the rate of 2.1
considered to be the replacement level for developed countries.
(Malta has the second lowest birth rate in the European Union but also one of the lowest death rates,
according to new figures issued by the EU's statistical office-2008).
 The reasons for the decline in births and the subsequent effect on family size are varied.
 The changing role of women in society and increased mobility of the population have
undoubtedly contributed.
 Developments in health care have reduced infant mortality so parents do not need to
create large families to ensure that some children survive to adulthood.
 The widespread availability of contraception.

 Society is more children-centred and more money and time are devoted
to the upkeep and needs of the child.
 Women are choosing to have children later on in life – thus having
fewer children.
 Some women decide to remain without children – giving more
importance to their career.
The average household size, for instance, is decreasing.The

Labour Force Survey for the last quarter of 2004 shows that the
average household size in Malta is of 3 persons

 Increased births outside marriage

 As a consequence of changing social environment the proportion of
births outside marriage has increased at a considerable rate.
 According to the National Statistics Office (NSO) 25% of births in 2013
were outside marriage.

Increase in lone parent families

More mixed-race families

Mixed denominational marriages – couples
following different religions.

More cohabitation
Same sex marriages/civil union

 More step families

 Divorce
 The breakdown of a marriage initiates a series of notable changes in the lives
of parents and children.
 As emerging challenges are met, new relationships formed, and family roles
and processes altered, most adults and children experience considerable
stress.

 Whereas about one fourth experience lasting problems in adjustment, it

should be underscored that most are resilient, able to move on and lead
satisfying new lives.
 Post divorce resilience largely depends on the ability of parents and

children to build close, constructive, mutually supportive relationships
that play a profound role in buffering families from effects of related
adversity.

 Increase in older mothers

 Increase in childless women

More young people moving away from home

INFLUENCES ON INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY
LIFESTYLE
Social Technological
Influences Influence
Cultural Economic
Influence Influence

SOCIAL INFLUENCES
 Social influence is defined as change in an individual’s thoughts, feelings,
attitudes, or behaviours that results from interaction with another
individual or a group.
 Social influence is distinct from conformity, power, and authority.

SOCIAL INFLUENCES
Family size
 Birth control methods are more advanced and have become more
dependable. Thus families in Malta are becoming smaller.
 Malta has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, with only 9.6 new-
borns per 1,000population (The Times of Malta, 26th July, 2011).
Health Aspect
 Better health facilities have reduced infant mortality rate.
 In the past families were numerous but infant mortality rate was high.
 Today, families are smaller but the survival of children is more likely
because of good medical care.

SOCIAL INFLUENCES
Men and women are living longer
 This leads to an increase in the number of elderly people in the family.
External influences
 In particular the mass media, upset some of the roles and expectations
of the family.
Mixed-race marriages
 Immigration and tourism are making it easier for Maltese people to
marry or have a relationship with people from different countries. This
leads to a change in values, both religious and social.

SOCIAL INFLUENCES
Young people moving away from home
 Some years ago, young people used to stay at home till they got
married.
 Today, more young people are leaving their family home once they start
working.

SOCIAL INFLUENCES
Emancipation (freedom) of women
 Women no longer feel obliged to spend their lives totally devoted to
home making and bearing children.
 With equal opportunities to men, several wish to continue their careers
and work outside the home.
 The fact that both parents are working outside the home is affecting
birth rate and also the need for childcare facilities.
 In Malta, a number of grandparents are providing this care, thus creating
a situation where members of the extended family still contribute
towards the well-being of the family.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Mixed denominational marriages
 Marriages between men and women who have different religious belief
are increasing.
 Whilst in a culture of tolerance, such marriages may enhance under-
standing of different beliefs, stress may result from intolerance to
traditions and beliefs.
 There may be conflict related to the type of religious education children
should be nurtured in.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Inclusion of refugees and immigrants
 Marriages and friendships with refugees and immigrants have various
cultural implications and may affect religious beliefs and availability of
different cuisines.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES
The impact of tourism and family holidays
 Tourists in Malta may influence language, sense of dress, cuisine etc.
 Impacts arise when tourism brings changes in value systems / behaviour,
threatening indigenous identity
 People who travel abroad bring different ideas and values.
 Travelling brings people into contact with each other and, as tourism has
an educational element, it can foster understanding between peoples
and cultures and provide cultural exchange between hosts and guests.
 Because of this, the chances increase for people to develop mutual
sympathy and understanding and to reduce their prejudices.

CULTURAL INFLUENCES
 Tourism can add to the vitality of communities in many ways.
 One example is that events and festivals of which local residents have
been the primary participants and spectators are often rejuvenated and
developed in response to tourist interest.
 The jobs created by tourism can act as a vital incentive to reduce
emigration from rural areas.
 Local people can also increase their influence on tourism development,
as well as improve their job and earnings prospects, through tourism-
related professional training and development of business and
organizational skills.

TECHNOLOGICAL INFLUENCES
 The availability of new appliances had influenced the management of the
home. This has increased the participation of women in the labour
market and the availability of more leisure time.
 Effective security measures in the home have made it more possible for
family members to seek leisure outside the home without the fear of
being victims of crime.
 The increase of convenience foods have decreased time for food

preparation.

TECHNOLOGICAL INFLUENCES
 Technology has affected type of leisure available for the family members
(e.g. computer games). These may affect interaction between different
family members.
 Social-networking such as Facebook, Twitter etc. can have both

advantages and disadvantages on individuals and family members. It
keeps you connected with people who live far away, or don’t have time
to meet up, but at the same time, family members may be alienated in
such net-working instead of spending quality time with their family.

ECONOMICAL INFLUENCES
 Many families strive hard for a higher standard of living – in some cases
both parents decide to work to keep the family comfortable.
 Recently in Malta, many family members have decided to go and work

abroad to benefit from a higher paid job.
 Individuals have more opportunities to study abroad – become well

qualified in certain area of study thus benefit from a better job in the
future.

HOMEWORK QUESTION:
1. Childless families and one-parent families are on the increase, while the
number of typical ‘nuclear families’ is decreasing. Explain the terms in
italics and give TWO reasons for such changes in the family structure.
(1 1, 1, 2 marks)
2. Fostering and adoption give the opportunity to children to live within a
family. Explain the terms ‘fostering’ and ‘adoption’. Give TWO advantages
of fostering and TWO advantages of adoption for children.
(2, 2, 2 marks)
3. Describe the positive and negative impacts of a mixed denominational
marriage for:
a) the children;
b) the Maltese community. (2, 2 marks)

HOMEWORK QUESTION:
4. There is an increasing trend for single adults in their early twenties to
live separately from their parents, either on their own or sharing with
friends.
i. Outline TWO different reasons for this trend. (1 mark)
ii. Compare living alone with living in shared accommodation, discussing
the implications on personal and on a national level. (2, 2 marks)

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
DIFFERENT FAMILY MEMBERS
 Within a family there is a network of roles and responsibilities.
 Each member of the family has a particular role, depending on his/her

position in the family – father, mother, child, eldest, youngest and more.

 A) Roles within the family
 Certain behaviour is expected of each

family member. This is his/her role within A Role
the family. Each role carries certain
responsibilities and family members A role is the part you play
come to expect these qualities of one in your family life. Family
another related to their roles. life is most comfortable
when each person has a
role and is happy with it.
 Before, it was the role of the father to go
out to work and to be the ‘bread winner’,
while caring for children and running the
home was the mother’s role.

Is it still the same
nowadays?
Why?

 Nowadays, both parents tend to share the responsibilities of running the
home and caring for their children.
 Changes in legislation have aimed to provide greater equality between

the employment rights of men and women.
 In a lone parent family one adult is responsible for everything, bringing

money, running the home and looking after children, without the
support of a partner.

WHAT IS ROLE REVERSAL?
 Role reversal takes place when, for

example, the father cares for the home
and the children, while the mother earns
the money to provide for the family.
 Men who become ‘househusbands’.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY SHARED ROLES?
 In some families, usually where both parents are working, household

jobs and care of the children tend to be shared.

 B) Responsibilities
 To be a member of a family gives each person certain rights, as well as
responsibilities.
 Each member of the family, including the parent, has physical, emotional,
social and intellectual needs which have to be met.
 It is the responsibility of the parents to provide for the needs of their
children.

BASIC NEEDS OF FAMILIES
 The needs of each family member in the family can be categorised into
the following four areas.

Physical Needs Emotional Needs
Clothing Love
Shelter Comfort
Food Understanding
Reproduction Security
Finance Discipline
Protection/safety Companionship
Health care Stability
Hygiene Affection
Sleep
Intellectual Needs Social Needs
Education Friends
Stimulation Behaviour
Moral values Independence
Spiritual beliefs Social training
Communication

BASIC NEEDS OF FAMILIES
 As a person progresses through the stages of the life
cycle, their needs change.
 For example, most needs of a baby and of an
adolescent differ.
 The following table shows some of these needs and
explains how they change throughout the life cycle.

Family Needs
Throughout the
Lifecycle

SHARED ACCOMMODATION WITH
ELDERLY RELATIVES
 Caring roles in the family are changing as both male and female family
members have to care for elderly relatives at some point.
 Grandparents can have an active role in childcare and caring for other
elderly relatives.
 The elderly contribute to helping the family by caring for young children
while their parents have to go to work.
 They become permanent live-in child minder if both parents work.
 The elderly also benefit from being useful and for giving support to their
family while occupying the free time which they have at their disposal.
 They also enjoy the company of their grandparents.
 At times the elderly can help even financially.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION WITH
ELDERLY RELATIVES
 There are certain disadvantages to this family situation too:
- Dealing with short-term illness and chronic illnesses – energy, time,
money, emotional stress etc.
- They might interfere with your disciplinary decisions towards your
children
- Cost and stress of building/converting part of your house
- May need to set boundaries so that you get some time for yourself

Positive Family
Relationships

POSITIVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
 Family relationships are described as ‘primary’ relationships because the
people involved generally know each other very well.
 Their ways of relating to each other are informal and intimate and
should provide a close, loving relationship.
 There is a strong sense of belonging, identity and warmth.
 Within a family there is a network of relationships.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS ARE FORMED:
 Between parents
 Between parents and children
 Between siblings
 With other relatives
 With special friends
The bond created through these relationships is essential to make each member of the
family feel stable and secure throughout their life. Relationships with our family are
longstanding and essential in shaping our characters, values and attitudes.
The following are some factors which are essential to have a positive family relationship.

POSITIVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS- LOVE
 This is a very important word for everyone.

 Doesn’t it make you feel happy when someone tells you that he loves
you??
 Children are dependent on their parents to fulfill their emotional need
of love.
 Parents should develop a warm, affectionate relationship with their
children.
 The child that feels loved and wanted will develop a good self-image and
will be able to form good relationships with others.

POSITIVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS-
SECURITY
 When a person feels loved, she/he also feels secure. They feel that
nothing wrong will happen to them as long as they are loved. Children
feel secure when they receive a hug from their mother or father when
they fall and hurt their knee or when they are sad.

RESPECT
 Respect means being able to appreciate and accept other people’s views.
Where parents show respect and tolerance towards each other, they
set a good example for their children, and create a happy, harmonious
environment.
 Children, in turn, will feel secure and grow up to be healthy, happy

adults, who are self confident and respectful of others.

MUTUAL SUPPORT
 Positive relationships are based on mutual support within the family.
This means that everyone has a role to play in helping each other.
Family relationships are stronger when the members know that they
can rely on each other.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
 A relationship cannot succeed without effective communication.
Personal relationships are established and nurtured by verbal and
non-verbal communication.
 Slamming doors and refusing to speak are all forms of non-verbal

communication, but they do very little to solve a problem.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
 A conflict in a relationship is best solved by negotiation and calm
discussion.
 Keeping the lines of communication open is the key to ending conflict

and keeping a relationship alive.
 Therefore, when talking to family members, you should speak calmly,

slow and low, not shout and speak loudly. If everyone speaks slowly to
each other, all will understand what the other is saying better and will
show respect to what you are saying.

COMMITMENT
 Good relationships require commitment from those involved, especially
within marriage.
 A strong husband/wife relationship is of utmost importance.
 Without this strength, it can weaken the family as a unit.
 Balance between work and leisure time activities (personal development
and family quality of life).

EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
 Managing family resources (money, time, energy etc) efficiently is
important for the smooth running of a family.
 This can be achieved by careful decision-making
 This helps to avoid stress and conflict among family members.

IMPORTANCE OF LEISURE TIME
 Balancing between paid work and un-paid work and leisure time.
 Family-work balance is a complex issue that involves financial values,

gender roles, career paths, time management and many other factors.
 Hidden values and models from our cultures, original families and other
sources influence our choices in ways that we often don’t anticipate or
understand and that have far-reaching consequences for our lives.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY MEASURES
“It is the Government Policy to create a family-

friendly work environment so as to promote social
inclusion at all levels, in line with the Lisbon Agenda,
giving everyone the opportunity to work and be
financially independent.”

WHAT ARE FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES?
“Family-friendly measures play an important role in

enabling employees to balance work commitments
with family responsibilities. With these policies in
place, human resources’ interests are safe-guarded.
This will potentially increase the retention of
employees, resulting in continuity and improved
productivity.”
MS. E. SCI CLUNA & MS. R. CI LIA

WHAT ARE FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES?
They act as a means to:

 increase the labour participation rate and have a
motivated and more productive labour force resulting
from conditions that facilitate a better conciliation
between work and family life.
Through the grant of these measures, employees

can be motivated in long term planning in balancing
their work and family responsibilities.

Family-Friendly Measures...
 It is important to harmonise family-friendly policies, and any other measures

in the Maltese workplace with objectives related to competitiveness and
business profitability.
 Family-friendly measures will, result in increased participation in the

labour force.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY MEASURES...
 The issue of female participation in particular is very complex

and there are many socio-cultural reasons that also contribute
to low female participation in Malta.
 Family-friendly measures need to be supported with the infrastructure

to enable flexible work arrangements and minimise
inconveniences to employers.

SOME FAMILY-FRIENDLY MEASURES
These policies are applicable to all public employees, whether

engaged on full-time or part-time, on a definite or an indefinite
Basis:
 Flexible working conditions
 Flexi-time
 Work on reduced time table
 Provision of childcare facilities
 Parental leave

MEASURES APPLICABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES
 Tele-working
 Job-sharing
 Leave for the care of dependents
 Bereavement Leave
 Donation of vacation leave for humanitarian
reasons
 Leave to accompany spouse abroad on government
sponsored assignments

MEASURES APPLICABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES
 Marriage leave
 Reduced hours
 Responsibility leave
 Teleworking
 Urgent Family Leave
 Flexibility in hours of work
 Thirty days unpaid leave for special reasons

MEASURES APPLICABLE TO SOME
EMPLOYEES
 Measures applicable to expectant mothers
Release to attend to Ante-natal Examinations and Ante-natal classes
Maternity Leave
Special Maternity Leave
 Measures applicable to breastfeeding mothers

Breastfeeding Facilities

MEASURES APPLICABLE TO SOME
EMPLOYEES
 Measures applicable to fathers
- Paternity leave: New fathers are granted a fully paid paternity leave of
one day on the birth of a child. This is referred to as "birth leave" in
the law. The specific leave entitlements however may vary depending
on the applicable Wages Council Wage Regulation Order.
- In the public sector, the paternity leave duration is 5 working days after
live and still birth.
 Measures applicable to both parents

Adoption leave
Parental leave
Career break

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
 Public employees are entitled to Two days bereavement

leave on the death of near relatives namely wife or husband,
mother or father (or the person who at the time was acting
as mother or father), son or daughter, brother or sister.

MARRIAGE LEAVE
 Three days special paid leave is granted to all employees

on contracting marriage.
 This leave is to be availed of at a stretch and should

commence on the first working day following the marriage.

REDUCED HOURS
 Employees who are conditioned to working a forty hour week, have the
option to work on a reduced time-table which may vary between
twenty and thirty-five hours per week.
 Employees may work on a different time-table in winter and summer.
 Reduced hours are allowed until the child reaches the age of 12 years.

RESPONSIBILITY LEAVE
 To grant responsibility leave to employees who need to

care for dependent relatives such as elderly parents, sons or
daughters, or spouses providing that the elderly person or
spouse have no other responsible persons living with him
during the day.
 They must be certified by a medical specialist.
 Responsibility leave is without pay.

URGENT FAMILY LEAVE
To allow time-off from work to employees, for urgent family
reasons, in cases of sickness and accident, which require the
immediate presence of the employee.
A) accidents
B) sudden illness or sickness requiring assistance or
presence of the employee; and
C) presence during births or deaths.

TELEWORK
 Allow employees to work from home, using information and
communication technologies.
 This method of working enables employees to combine career and
family responsibilities more effectively.
 Telework also facilitates the possibility for an employer to retain
experienced employees and keep benefiting from their input.
 The arrangement is meant to develop a win win situation where the
department’s output is maintained, and possibly improved, while the
employee is supported in combing work and family responsibilities.
 A telework contract is valid for a period of twelve months and may be
renewed accordingly.

FLEXIBILITY IN WORK SCHEDULES
 Flexible work schedules strengthen the service offered to external and

internal clients, while decreasing the need to adhere to rigid time-tables
which as a rule helps employees to achieve a better work-life balance.
 The organisation and the employees can jointly establish a ‘best fit’ model to
achieve the set objectives, in the best interest of all stakeholders.

ADOPTION LEAVE
 To give adoptive parents the same rights and benefits as other
parents and children.
 Fourteen weeks on full pay with the option to avail oneself of an
additional two weeks extended to four weeks as from January
2013.
 The additional weeks are considered as special leave and payable
at a weekly flat rate equivalent to the maternity leave and payable
at the time, in terms of the Social Security Act.
 In cases of international adoptions, a maximum aggregate of three
months unpaid leave may be granted.

PARENTAL LEAVE
 Parental leave is the individual right of both male and female workers.
 Parents have to be granted unpaid leave on the ground of birth, adoption,
fostering or legal custody of a child to enable them to take care of the child for
a period of four months until the child has attained the age of eight years.
 Parental leave is non-transferable and is availed in established periods of one
month each.
 Public officers are granted a maximum of 1 year parental leave per child.

POSITIVE ASPECTS FOR EMPLOYERS
 Skilled workers are kept employed
 Less expenses to train people who are newly employed (recruitment)
costs
 Cooperation and commitment from staff
 Greater staff loyalty
 Reduced absenteeism
 Increased productivity
 Improved image of employer

FLEXI TIME – BENEFITS
 Shift from traditional working arrangements to more flexible
working patterns
 Freedom to work any way they choose in collaboration with
the employer
 Savings in overheads when working from home
 Job satisfaction and retention
 Better work-life balance between their home and work
responsibilities

FLEXI TIME – BENEFITS
 Making better use of time
 Can fit in other activities with work
 Can avoid a lot of stress (driving at peak times)
 Can contribute effectively at work
 Can meet other non-work commitments
 Particularly suitable for parents having to look after young
children, people with disabilities and even elderly
 Employer – staff loyalty and high productivity

TELE WORKING-WORKING FROM THE
HOME
These may include…
 Accounts IT
 Authors/journalism
 Private tuition
 Doctors / dentists/physiotherapist
 Hairdresser /Beautician /Nail technician
 Sewing
 Artists
 Adequate safety, comfort, privacy, health and safety

HOME
 Teleworking involves the use of technology such as computer
and telephone to work from home
 Plan room to install necessary equipment-desk, computer,

internet connection, shelving
 Comfortable room, insulated, good lighting, ideally near the

main entrance
 Ergonomics to avoid strains after long hours of work

HOME
 Private area with separate entrance so as not to disturb
family members
 Beauty therapy hairdresser needs to have waiting area and

privacy, toilet and sink for clients
 Safety and hygiene
 Electrical equipment designed to EU standards

TELEWORKING - EMPLOYERS
 Help to retain professional and experienced workers so as

not to leave work due to family commitments
 Save running costs and space of office
 Increase service hours and productivity
 Reduce absenteeism
 Retain people who are professionals in their line of work
 Enhances recruitment

BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEES
 Saves time and running costs from one place to

another
 Gives the flexibility of working from home
 Reduces stress
 Generating more turnover of income
 Family responsibilities are adjusted according to
individual’s needs

BENEFITS OF JOB SHARING
Can help employers achieve a balance between an increased flexibility
in work and family responsibilities. Examples include:
 Workers with children or elderly under their care

 Workers who wish to continue their education and continue
working
 Retired persons who want to continue working
 Disabled persons who only want to work a minimum number of
hours per week or day

BENEFITS TO ORGANISATIONS
 Both partners may work during peak times
 May cover for one another in certain circumstances where
they deem fit
 Skills and experts in their field of work
 Increased productivity
 Lower absenteeism
 Reduced staff turnover

LIFELONG/ADULT EDUCATION
 A process of learning when an individual grows up – adult-
retired persons
 Extension school – Higher Secondary – Junior college,
MCAST, ITS. University of Malta, University of the third age
 Adult Learning courses in schools
 ECDL courses Drama, Music, ART
 Local councils
 Enhancing personal development, gainful employment,
enhances performance of work and personality.

WORK OUT
 Define flexi-time and Tele-working. (2,2m)
 List 4 advantages of flexi-time . (2m)
 List 4 advantages of Tele-working. (2m)
 Why do you think that it is very important for women to go
out in the work force both for the economy and the personal
well being of the individual? (4m)

What is a
welfare state?

DEFINITION OF WELFARE STATE
 Welfare state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the
economic and social well-being of citizens.
 It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable

distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail
themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life.
e.g. free education for all, pension for the elderly, pension for the disabled
persons, pension for widows/widowers etc…

WELFARE BENEFITS
 Welfare state supports economic security in order

to prevent poverty
 Means test is (Social Welfare) a test involving
the checking of a person's income to determine
whether he qualifies for financial or social aid from
a government
An investigation into the financial well-being

of a person to determine the person's
eligibility for financial assistance.

STANDARD OF LIVING
“The level of wealth, comfort, material

goods and necessities available to a
certain socioeconomic class in a certain
geographic area”.

STANDARD OF LIVING
The standard of living includes factors such as:
 income, quality and availability of employment,
 class disparity, poverty rate,
 quality and affordability of housing,
 hours of work required to purchase necessities,

STANDARD OF LIVING
 gross domestic product,
(il-gid nazzjonali tal-pajjiz, jidditermina kemm
jipproducu avr/avr , ras ghal ras, biex ikunu jafu kemm
qieghed jaqla’ kull bniedem u jqabbluha ma’ dawk ta’
pajjizi ohra)
 inflation rate, (kemm tghola l-hajja)
 number of vacation days per year
 affordable (or free) access to quality healthcare,
 quality and availability of
education,

STANDARD OF LIVING
 life expectancy,
 incidence of disease,
 cost of goods and services,
 infrastructure,
 national economic growth,
 economic and political stability,
 political and religious freedom,
 environmental quality,
 climate and safety.
The standard of living is closely related to quality of life.

STANDARD OF LIVING
 The standard of living can also be used to compare distinct points in
time. For example, compared with a century ago, the standard of
living has improved greatly.
 The same amount of work buys an increased quantity of

goods, and items that were once luxuries, such as refrigerators
and automobiles, are now widely available. As well, leisure time
and life expectancy have increased, and annual hours worked
have decreased
 http://www.investopedia.com

INDICATORS OF FAMILY QUALITY OF LIFE
Good Indicators Bad Indicators
High/reasonably high monetary income Low monetary income
Healthy family members Ill/health issuers within the family
Good employable family members Unemployed family members
Good level of education/access to education for Low education level/no or limited access to education
all members
Reasonable household monthly expenditure on Low household monthly expenditure on basic needs
basic needs because there is not enough money/ lack of
budget/expensive medical treatments
Opportunity to save money on a regular basis Debts on regular basis
Access to basic services e.g. health, education Limited access to basic services
INDICATORS OF FAMILY QUALITY OF LIFE
Good Indicators Bad Indicators
Safe housing environment with all basic Housing lacking basic needs, or unsafe housing
needs in a house e.g. functional bathroom, environment, including unsafe neighbourhood
good drainage and water system, hot water
system
Family members have stress management Family members do not posses stress
skills to overcome stressful situations and management techniques in stressful situations and
prevent burn out. revert to comfort eating, smoking, substance
misuse (alcohol, drugs).
Take care of their physical surroundings and Not sensitive to eco-issues and always expect the
care for the general environment. Are central government to take the necessacry action.
proactive on eco-issues. Laid back or laissez faire attitude.
Care for their health by taking the necessary No interest in health issues. Take medical action only
measures to prevent accidents and illness. when the need arises.
Carry out regular medical check-ups to
safeguard their health.
HOW CAN THE FAMILY PROMOTE GOOD
QUALITY OF LIFE?
 Budgeting keeping in mind needs of family members
 Prioritise
 Importance of education – lifelong learning
 Smooth running of the home making sure that everybody contributes
 Quality time spent together with family members

HOW CAN THE FAMILY PROMOTE GOOD
QUALITY OF LIFE?
 Buying and Promoting healthy food

 Importance of decreasing the amount of stress between family
members
 Plan outings and holidays together
 Time spent on leisure, going out walking, yoga, practising sports,
hobbies, music between family members
 Leisure is beneficial and reinforces emotional well being in order
to decrease stress in today’s hectic life
 Maintaining good mental health

STRESS AND CONFLICT WITHIN THE
FAMILY
Anxiety is a normal, healthy emotion which
everyone experiences.
Feeling anxious keeps you on your toes, sharpens

your senses and produces adrenaline, which
improves your performance.
STRESS occurs when people become over-

anxious and cannot cope with everyday
pressures.
Can you name
some situations that
can cause stress
within the family???

SITUATIONS THAT CAN CAUSE STRESS…
 Career choice
 Unemployment and redundancy
 Poverty
 Separation
 Divorce
 Illness
 Debt
 Moving house

 Death
 Conflict
 Bullying
 Pregnancy
 Miscarriage and still-births
 Disabilities
 Accidents
 Drugs
 Alcohol abuse

 Bringing up children
 Starting school
 Peer pressure
 Examinations
 Technological needs – computers, laptops, ipads, appliances etc

CHANGE STRESS
Economic Factors Social Factors
Cultural factors Technological factors

EFFECTS OF STRESS
 Aggression
 Difficulty sleeping
 Short-temper
 Headaches
 Over-indulgence in food, alcohol and cigarettes
 Moodiness
 Apathy
 Strained relationships
 Depression

EFFECTS OF STRESS
 Mental breakdown
 Suicide
 Illness
 Disrupted eating patterns
 Ulcers
 Anxiety attacks
 Low self-esteem

MANAGEMENT OF STRESS – PREVENTING
STRESS
 Get organised
 Prioritise
 Delegate responsibilities
 Think ahead
 Talk to someone
 Seek professional help
 Ensure financial security to pay for family needs, educational needs and
also leisure activities

MANAGEMENT OF STRESS – DEALING
WITH STRESS
 Learn to relax
 Think positive
 Take control
 Be assertive
 Get plenty of rest
 Eat properly
 Take up a leisure pursuit/hobby

CONFLICT
 Everyone experiences some kind of conflict.
 These may be mild disagreements or differences of opinions within the
family, in the workplace, with those in authority and sometimes with
friends.
 Some conflicts can be easily managed. Others are more serious and can
cause the complete breakdown of a relationship.

FACTORS WHICH AFFECT CONFLICT
SITUATIONS
 Nature of the disagreement
 Age of the people involved
 Personalities involved
 Lack of emotional control
 Inability to communicate
 Instability – personal
- relationships

SOME SITUATIONS WHICH CAN CAUSE
CONFLICT
 Religious differences - Mixed denominational marriages
 Ethnic differences
 Lack of organisation
 Sibling rivalry
 Adolescent behaviour

SOME SITUATIONS WHICH CAN CAUSE
CONFLICT
 Generation gap
 Marital problems
 Drugs
 Alcohol
 Money management
 Poor home management

EFFECTS OF CONFLICT
 Arguments
 Over-indulgence in food, alcohol and cigarettes
 Inability to sleep
 Abuse
 Marriage breakdown
 Illness and health disorders
 Strained relationships
 Violence

MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICT –
PREVENTING CONFLICT
 Diffuse the situation before it starts
 Think before you speak
 Listen
 Try to see the other’s point of view
 Make allowances
 Talk/communicate
 Practise self-control
 Avoid confrontation
 Avoid heated arguments

MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICT – DEALING
WITH CONFLICT
 Negotiate
 Calm down
 Keep an open mind
 Keep open a line of communication
 Try to reach a compromise
 Ask for advice
 Seek professional help

THE FAMILY THERAPY SERVICE
 The Family Therapy Service provides a therapeutic and
professional service to families undergoing difficulties and who
seek help.
 It also provides on-going training in Family Therapy and
consultation on family work to other professionals working in
the field of family problems.
 This service is offered by Appoġġ to all families who

are facing difficulties in their relationships,
irrespective of their gender, ages, class, race or
religion.

Leisure is personal
time during which one
is free from
obligations

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEISURE TIME
 It is important that all members of the family have a little of this time, if
not every day, at least every week.
 Leisure reinforces emotional well-being and provides benefits.

 With more leisure time
available, family members are
embarking in activities which
enrich family life especially if
these are beneficial activities
such as sports, music, theatre.
 Leisure activities and hobbies

are a means towards reducing
stress and maintaining good
mental health.

 When parents do not have enough financial means to pay for

leisure activities, children may feel disadvantaged and this
increases stress.
 Some adolescents may embark on leisure activities which expose

them to drugs, alcohol and tobacco use – this may also lead to
stress within the family.

BENEFITS OF LEISURE
 These activities give one the opportunity to examine personal values,

and focus on what is important.
 They give you the ‘charge’ required to do the non-leisure activities.
 Provide relief from stress and boredom.

BENEFITS OF LEISURE
 Give one a feeling of control, as you choose what you spend your
leisure time on (work and school give little of that freedom).
 May enhance communication skills and self-esteem.
 May widen horizons (especially if one meets new people and learns new
things).

BENEFITS OF LEISURE
 Parents would give a positive example to their children on how they

could spend their leisure time in a positive manner.
 Children would also learn how to communicate and how to relate with
others, how to listen and how to play, for example, by copying what they
see from their parents.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO INCLUDE
LEISURE IN THEIR AGENDA?
 Show children that leisure is important for everyone – do something for
yourself – if it is a nice day organise a day out for the family.
 Leave some work for later – some of the work can surely wait. Or else
find a short cut, so that you give yourself and your family time for leisure.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO INCLUDE
LEISURE IN THEIR AGENDA?
 Avoid having too high expectations which might increase stress such as
expecting the house to be spotless before giving yourself a break.
 Once you commit yourself to some free time, encourage other

members to find some free time for themselves too.

HOMEWORK QUESTION:
 As a result of economic, social, technological and cultural change in society,
individuals and families are often faced with different sources of stress.
A) For each of the above italicised terms explain TWO specific examples
of sources of stress.
B) Give ONE suggestion, for each example given, of how such stress can
be effectively managed.

How do you
interact
within your
community?

INTERACTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
 Families and individuals live in a community and so they need to interact

with each other. There are different ways how individuals and families
can interact within the community. Some ways are by:
 Joining a youth centre
 Joining a scout/girl guide group
 Attending mass
 Join in prayer groups
 Volunteering to help in residential homes
 Attending catechism lessons
 Involve yourself in a choir

VOLUNTARY WORK
 Volunteering refers to the act of giving time and energy to provide for
the needs of society.
 Through volunteering you would be not only providing for those in

need but also acquiring knowledge, experience and expertise in fields
that still lack formal by government institutions.
“If our hopes of building a better and safer

world are to become more than wishful
thinking, we will need the engagement of
volunteers more than ever." Kofi Annan

THE CONCEPT OF VOLUNTARY WORK
 Voluntary organisation means a group of people working together

voluntarily to help the needy persons with their available needs and
resources.
 Voluntary organisations are initiated by individuals or groups of

individuals voluntarily for development. Particularly for the
disadvantaged sections of society.
 Voluntary organisation are non-statutory bodies, set up and run by their

members rather than by government.

 Most voluntary organisations make extensive but not exclusive use of

volunteers.

 Voluntary agencies can act as mediators, bringing certain inequalities to

the attention of state bodies.
 They can act as pressure groups to create a particular change in attitued

which are detrimental to the community's well-being, and to bring about
reforms of legislation.
 The most important thing about these organisations is that they are
voluntary and that they have freedom to bring about change.

 They complement and supplement those services provided by the

State, by working with the State (complementary), and by adding to the
statutory service (supplementary).
 Thus they provide a comprehensive response to the needs of the

community.

 They have an economic role, as they save the government large

amounts of money because of their free services.

ADVANTAGES OF VOLUNTARY
ORGANISATIONS
 Members of the organisation offer their services free, which means that
all of the finances actually go to the service rather than to
administration costs.
 Their services can be more effective because they can get to the root of
the particular problem, since they are not tied to bureaucracy or to
political constraints.
 Since the work is voluntary, they have more time to listen, and are less
hampered by paper work than people in a statutory body.

ADVANTAGES OF VOLUNTARY
ORGANISATIONS
 They are experts in their field of work, and thus are consulted by
government bodies when reform is being implemented.
 As they are small organisations, they can adapt quickly to a particular

need in the area.
 They act as pressure groups, be it preventive, protective or promotional

in seeking social change.

VOLUNTARY WORK - CHILDREN ,YOUTH
AND FAMILIES
 Agenzija Appogg (State)
 Aġenzija Appoġġ forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare
Services.
 The Agency has as its ultimate aim the enhancement of the lives of
people in need, through the provision and availability of professional
care and support.
 Offering a wide range of community-based and specialised social welfare
services, Appoġġ is the central national agency for children and
families in need.

AGENZIJA APPOGG
 Provide immediate help to families and individuals in distress;
 Support families in their needs, with particular emphasis on their
parenting role so as to promote healthy living environment to children;
 Linking people to other resources from which they would benefit;
 Build on strengths and resources in the communities that would make
them sustainable and more supportive for the families and other
individuals residing in those communities;

AGENZIJA APPOGG
 Support parents with young children, through practical and emotional
help offered through volunteers;
 Support and protect children who are being abused and at risk of abuse;
 Support children living in out-of-home residences;
 Provide an alternative family to children who need to live away from
their own family, for their own best interest;
 Support and assist adults who are in vulnerable situations;
 Provide therapeutic services to such identified persons.

AND FAMILIES
 St.Jeanne Antide Foundation (NGO)
 Supporting vulnerable families and contributing to social integration at
community level.
 The St. Jeanne Antide Foundation (SJAF) is an autonomous body, with
legal personality as a Foundation, publicly registered in Malta as a not-
for-profit NGO.
 It is a family- and community-focused organisation committed to
identifying and supporting in a holistic manner very vulnerable and poor
families.
 It was set up by the Malta Province of the Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne
Antide in collaboration with lay persons and is administered by a
Governing Board with a Chief Executive Officer.

AND FAMILIES
 Dar Merhba bik – Balzan (NGO)
 Dar Merhba Bik gives shelter to women and their children who are
victims of domestic violence.
 Dar Merhba Bik also offers the services of a Day Care Centre to
support families in difficult situations to care for their children while
their parents either receive therapy for their problems or are at work.

AND FAMILIES
 Independent Living Foundation was founded (Fondazzjoni
Hajja Indipendenti) – (NGO)
 Its primary aim is to promote and develop over the years, the
independent living of persons with mobility impairment.
 The Foundation has a permanent exhibition at its main office in Balzan,
where people with disability can view, inspect and try out a selection of
special equipment which is useful to help them carry out their daily
activities.
 It also provides information on various issues and has a wide network
of information sources from various foreign countries.

AND FAMILIES
 Ursuline Creche – Sliema
 Angela House - G’Mangia
 Fatima Hostel – Sliema
 St. Joseph Home – Valletta
 Fra Diego Institute - Hamrun

AND FAMILIES
 Sacred Herat Home - Sta.Venera
 Jesus of Nazareth Home – Zejtun
 St. Rita Home – Tarxien
 St. Joseph Home – Zabbar
 Holy Family home – Zabbar

VOLUNTARY WORK – MENTAL ILLNESSES
 Richmond Foundation (NGO)

 This foundation believes that every person is unique, has potential for
growth and has a right to be treated with respect and dignity.
 In view of these values the Foundation provides a number of services

that help persons experiencing mental illness to live a good quality of
life as part of society.

VOLUNTARY WORK – MENTAL ILLNESSES
 The services provided include housing, support to manage their home,

support at home with life’s situations, skills training in activities of daily
living, relationship skills, accessing community resources, management of
the illness, leisure, job training, employment and sustainability of
employment.
 All services promote social inclusion of persons experiencing mental

illness by educating society to be accepting of individuals who it may
come across as having different needs.

VOLUNTARY WORK – DRUGS AND
ALCOHOL
 St.Theresa Home - Zurrieq
 Agenzija Sedqa
 Caritas
 Oasi foundation
 Kellimni.com (Online support)

VOLUNTARY WORK - ELDERLY
 Government Day centres
 Community Homes and residences
 Church and Private Homes

VOLUNTARY WORK - DISABILITY
 Agenzija sapport – (State)
 Aġenzija Sapport formerly known as Supported Living Division, was set
up with the purpose of providing community and residential services to
persons with disability, and their families.
 Aġenzija Sapport is committed to enhance the quality of life of persons

with disability through innovative personalised support, expertise, and
advocacy.
 Today Sapport provides Social Work, Community, Day

and Residential Services and works with persons with
disability and their families to secure the means,
opportunities and services whereby they can execute
their right to fully participate in community life.
VOLUNTARY WORK - DISABILITY
 Inspire Foundation (NGO)
 Dar tal-Providenza (NGO)

VOLUNTARY WORK –OTHERS
 Assocjazzjoni mid-Dlam ghad-dawl (Prisoners and their families)
 Volserv - Voluntary services for Mater Dei Hospital
 SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
 The Island Sanctuary
 Heritage Organisation Din L-Art Helwa
 Friends of the Earth - Malta

VOLUNTARY WORK -OTHERS
 YMCA Valletta
 The Malta Gay Rights Movement
 LAND Group - Living Ability Not Disability (L.A.N.D.) Malta
 KOPIN (poverty, refugees etc)
 Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector

LOCAL COUNCILS
 The main function of local councils is to develop the community
through project work such as cleaning up town areas, providing sports
facilities, youth clubs and community centres and services for the aged.
 There must be project activity at all times, or else the association will
become inactive.
 Projects selected should relate directly to the social, cultural, economic,

educational and recreational needs of the local community.
 Projects vary in category and in size, should be both long and short
term.

PLANNING PROJECT ACTIVITIES
 Ascertain the needs of the community by interviewing and by
conducting opinion polls.
 Decide on the priorities of needs.
 Discover the capability and potential of the council and the community
based on organised local resources such as fund raising, together with
resources available from outside agencies such as central government,
local government, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations.

PLANNING PROJECT ACTIVITIES
 Draw up a major project plan and set priorities.
 Set up machinery such as sub-committees to plan and carry out
projects.
 It is of greatest importance that the local council should work in close
co-operation with voluntary groups in the area.
 It should assist these organisations in their own special work, especially
where it is seen that this work is for the common good.
 The council should initiate the establishment of a volunatry organisation
if the particular organisation has been identified as a need by the
community.

PRESSURE GROUPS
 Most voluntary organisations also act as pressure groups, as they consist
of a group of people who have a common interest in bringing change.
 They can do this by applying pressure on the relevant government
department or body.
 This is also known as lobbying.
 They win over public opinion by advertising, fasting, protesting, marching,
demonstrating, holding meetings and using the mass media.

PRESSURE GROUPS
There are 2 types of pressure groups:
 Promotional groups – change in legislation or attitudes which will
benefit society as a whole or just their particular group.
 Protective and preventive groups wish to protect certain vulnerable

groups.

PRESSURE GROUPS
 Most pressure groups will act in both capacities, promotional and
protective.
 Their effectiveness depends on their power and status.

 A wealthy group can get greater publicity as they will have the money to
advertise.
 A group with well-know personalities as members will also be able to
get publicity.
 Their effectiveness will also depend on discipline levels and
organisations abilities.

HOMEWORK QUESTION:
1. Define the term voluntary organisation. (2 marks)

2. Name TWO types of pressure groups and explain their
main purpose is society. (2, 4 marks)
3. Name and briefly explain the role of four local voluntary
organisations which offer support to families or individuals
experiencing stress. (8 marks)
4. Explain in what ways voluntary organisations complement
the services provided by the State. (4 marks)

POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION
 Although many people live a comfortable and wealthy life, this cannot be
said for everyone.
 In 2008, 15% of Maltese were estimated to be living under the poverty

threshold (Eurostat 2010, Wolff 2010).

DEFINING POVERTY
 There are many definitions of poverty:
A) Poverty is a state of being poor and lacking the means to provide

material needs or comforts. It is a situation where resources are
insufficient to meet individual needs.
B) Absolute poverty is a state below which it is not possible to live a

healthy life, being unable to afford food, shelter, clothing and warmth.

DEFINING POVERTY
C) Relative poverty is having resources below average individual or family
so that they are in effect excluded from what we would consider ordinary
living patterns and activities.
D) The poverty trap is the idea that once in poverty a person is often
trapped in it. Being in poverty and being unable to escape from it is called
poverty trap.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
 There are many causes of poverty. The following are some common
ones.
A) The Cycle of Deprivation

 The cycle of deprivation causes poverty. This is where children who are
born in poor families with backgrounds of social problems then go on
to cohabit or marry one another, have children and the cycle begins
again.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
 People who are said to be in the cycle of deprivation may sometimes
bring up their children in inadequate manner, failing to give them the
opportunities most children have.
 Often these people are unable or unwilling to find work and therefore
have a low income.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
 The cycle of deprivation frequently occurs when at least three of the
following factors are present:
 Poor intellect
 Family instability
 Poorly educated children
 Poorly kept home
 A large family

CAUSES OF POVERTY
B) Being dependent upon the State
 People can become poor because they become dependent on the state
for their income.
 They either cannot or will not work and find it hard to budget.
 This position may be due to the fault of the individual or it may be how
a person has been brought up.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
c) Lack of employment
 Not being able to find work, particularly for prolonged periods of time,
can result in poverty.
 Even paid work does not necessarily lift people out of poverty if the
work is short term or very low paid.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
d) Lack of Education
 Factors such as lack of education or not having the required skills can
defeat people who want to work.
 Access to better paid jobs requiring specialist skills or knowledge may
be limited.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
e) Caring for others
 Some single parents are unable to work because there is no affordable
childcare – This is not relevant to Malta since free childcare is offered by
the State.
 This means that the money coming in to the family can be significantly
reduced because of the cost of childcare.
 In addition, some people are unable to work because of family
responsibilities such as caring for the disabled or elderly.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
f) Being homeless
 A homeless person may be unable to get work because they do not
have a permanent address.
 This causes problems in obtaining benefits and opening a bank account.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
G) Being elderly, sick or disabled
 The elderly may no longer be fit to work and may be totally dependent
on the state pension.
 If they have no other income and no savings, they may be living in
poverty.
 The long-term sick or disabled may not be able to work because of
their condition or they may only be able to access very low paid work.
 The standard of living of this group may be very low as a result of their
costs of living.

CAUSES OF POVERTY
H) The poverty trap
 Some people are born into deprivation and poverty and may never be
able to escape because the area in which they live offers them limited
opportunities and they may not have the financial capability to escape.
 People can be trapped in poverty, finding it difficult to get out.

GROUPS MOST AT RISK OF POVERTY
The unemployed
The low paid
Single parent families
The sick and disabled
The elderly
Young teenagers
Ethnic minorities and refugees
The illiterate and poorly educated

THE EFFECTS OF POVERTY
 Poverty can affect individuals, families and society.
A) Deprivation
This means going without basics and necessities such as adequate heating,
nourishing food, good clothing and an effective means of transport.

B) Lack of pleasure pursuits and activities
 This can be particularly difficult for children who may not be able to
participate in trips and activities at school.
 It may be difficult for them to join clubs which cost money, such as
dancing, football or music lessons, or where a uniform is required like
karate or scouts.

C) Stigma and lack of status
 This can be particularly difficult for children who may not have the
newest designer accessories such as mobile phones, handbags and
trainers.
 They may be socially excluded if they cannot participate in a

discussion about latest trends or the latest computer game.
 Children born into poverty may not excel at school and are more
likely to be truant.
 Those who suffer poverty are marginalised if they do not have access
to basic equipment which most of society take for granted.

d) Inadequate housing conditions

 People living in poverty may have to live in squalid conditions such as
living in a damp house.
 Overcrowding - not enough bedrooms.
 Bathrooms may need to be shared with other families so the conditions
may be unsanitary.

e) Ill health
 Lack of sufficient money may mean people living in poverty are unable
to feed the family adequately.
 This can lead to poor health as can housing not being warm enough or
being damp.

f) Locality
 People living in poverty may be housed in deprived neighbourhoods.
 These deprived areas may have higher crime rates, poor performing
schools, vandalism etc.
g) Strain on individuals and relationships

h) Finances
 People living in poverty will have limited money available to them.
 They may not be able to afford any luxuries and some may not even
have sufficient funds for necessities.
 They may be tempted to take loans with disreputable companies at high
interest rates, which will make their financial situation worse.
 Failure to pay services bills…thus end up without a telephone line,
electricity etc…

I) Social exclusion
 Due to lack of resources, people are excluded from participating in
aspects of society that the majority of us take for granted.
 They may not have acceptable clothing in which to present themselves.

SOCIAL EXCLUSION
 People are excluded when they are not part of the networks which
support most people in ordinary life: networks of family, friends,
community and employment.
 This is a very broad concept which not only includes deprivation, but
problems of social relationships, including stigma, social isolation and
failures in social protection.

GROUPS OF PEOPLE AT RISK OF SOCIAL
EXCLUSION
 Poor people
 Ex-prisoners
 Homeless people
 People with AIDS/HIV
 People with learning disabilities/ or psychiatric patients
 Physical disabilities
 Obese people
 People who suffer from body deformities example amputees, skin conditions
 Stammering individuals
 Crossed eyed individuals
 Refugees

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON POVERTY
AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION
 In terms of fighting poverty and promoting social inclusion, analysing the
diverse issues mentioned above, the National Action Plan against
Poverty and Social Exclusion identifies twelve key priorities:
Key priority 1: Employment

To increase employment and employability of vulnerable groups (including
persons who are unskilled, who have been inactive for a significant period
of time, unable to work a full time-table and parents with dependent
children and disabled persons)

 Key Priority 2:
To increase the current low female employment rate
 Key Priority 3:
To raise the current, low employment rate of persons aged 55 years and
over
 Key Priority 4:
Making work pay

 Key Priority 5:
Ensuring that literacy and numeracy skills are acquired by all members of society,
reducing school absenteeism and promoting life-long and life-wide opportunities at
all levels and in a wide range of areas
 Key Priority 6:
Ensuring further inclusion and equal opportunities for students with disabilities or
learning difficulties in primary and secondary schools
 Key Priority 7:
To further support families in need and families and families at risk of social
exclusion, particularly victims of domestic violence

 Key Priority 8:
 To promote public awareness of children’s rights and to provide
services to protect and empower children/youth
 Key Priority 9:
 To ensure adequate and affordable housing to vulnerable groups by
providing a wider range of services and schemes

 Key Priority 10:
Promoting the access to services faced by disadvantaged groups (persons
with mental health problems, single mothers, victims of domestic violence,
substance abusers, refugees and illegal immigrants

Ensuring adequate and sustainable pensions

Regeneration of Grand Harbour Area so as to increase access to housing,
employment and community care and social facilities

HOMEWORK QUESTION:
 Poverty has been described as a harsh reality faced by groups of people with low or no
economics means. Examples of risks groups are single parents, people with disabilities and
elderly people.
a) For each of the above mentioned groups state three reasons why they are more likely
to suffer from economics poverty. (3, 3, 3 marks)
b) Define social exclusion. (3 marks)
c) Select four of the conditions listed below and explain how each condition could result
in social exclusion.
- low educational achievement
- physical disability
- mental illness
- domestic violence
- long term unemployment (8 marks)

Family Units 2017

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FAMILY UNITS

Ms. Elena Scicluna & Ms. Romina Cilia

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 The family, whichever type it is, is very important for the

 However, living in a family presents certain challenges.

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 For a family to succeed and be healthy, it must respond well

 Some challenges include:

Loneliness Jealousy Lack of Privacy

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 All families have problems from time to time. One key to

 In a healthy family, members feel free to express their

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 Most people live in a family and the family is a very

 We all have our own ideas about what we mean by family.

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 However, within the population and housing census a broader definition

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

A family ‘nuclei’ is constituted when two persons (of either sex)

…while people living alone do not, nor do groups of unrelated

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

On 15 May of each year, the United Nations

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 Contributes to society, as it is also an economic unit

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

To care for the needs of the weaker members of

For socialisation- to teach the children the

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 It is an independent group which manages its own affairs, with little or

 This is the most common type of family found in Malta.

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 This is made up of a large group.

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 An extended family forms a tight-knit community.

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 Short-term fostering can last up to 12 weeks and take the form of

 Long term or permanent fostering lasts until a child reaches

 Next of kin fostering occurs when the child’s parents themselves

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

Undergo a 6 weeks training Look after the child as if they

Allow the local authority to Give up the child on request

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 Putting up a child for adoption is no easy thing to do. Some reasons as

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

 Children and/or elderly people who live in homes because

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA

MS. E. SCICLUNA & MS. R. CILIA