Social and Economic Development in Malta: The Present Day

Practice flashcards covering social structures, institutions, economic sectors, and development in present-day Malta.

Society

A group of people who live together in the same place, follow similar rules and traditions, work together, and help each other.

State

A political entity distinguished from a society by having a territory, a permanent population, a government, sovereignty, and a legal system.

Territory

A characteristic of a state consisting of a clear area of land, water, and airspace that belongs to it.

Sovereignty

The full control of a state to make its own rules without interference from other countries.

Social Institutions

Important organisations in society that provide rules, support, and services to meet basic needs and help people live and work together.

Socialisation

The process through which people learn how to behave in society by learning rules, values, customs, and traditions.

Primary Socialisation

The first stage of learning that happens within the family during youth, such as learning to talk, eat, and use manners.

Secondary Socialisation

The later stage of learning that happens outside the family, involving school rules, teamwork, work habits, and following laws.

Agents of Socialisation

The various entities that influence behavior and learning, including family, education, peers, media, religion, and community/work.

Crime

An act that breaks the law and is punishable by the authorities, such as theft, assault, or vandalism.

Deviance

Behaviour that goes against society’s norms or expectations but is not always illegal, such as being rude in public.

Positive Sanctions

Rewards for good behaviour, including praise, awards, promotions, and certificates.

Negative Sanctions

Punishments for bad behaviour, such as fines, imprisonment, detention, and community service.

Formal Sanctions

Sanctions given by authorities, such as police fines, school suspensions, and court sentences.

Informal Sanctions

Social reactions from people in the community, such as gossip, disapproval, respect, or applause.

Socio-economic development

The process of improving people’s quality of life and the economy of a country, including better education, healthcare, and jobs.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

An economic measure that rose in Malta after Independence due to tourism, factories, banking, and technology.

Sustainable development

A requirement of development that is inclusive, people-centred, promotes gender equality, and encourages responsible resource management.

Primary sector

The sector of the economy that uses natural resources from the land or sea, such as farming, fishing, and quarrying.

Secondary sector

The sector of the economy involving the manufacture of products in factories, such as food processing, clothes, or electronics.

Tertiary sector

The sector of the economy providing services to people, such as teachers, doctors, tourism, and transport.

Quaternary sector

The sector of the economy based on knowledge and information, including ICT, research, and software development.

Quinary sector

The sector of the economy involving top-level decision making by government ministers, CEOs, and senior school leaders.

Exports

Goods or services that Malta sells to other countries, resulting in money coming into the country.

Imports

Goods or services that Malta buys from other countries, resulting in money going out of the country.

Leisure

The free time people have when they are not working, studying, or doing chores, used for rest, hobbies, or entertainment.

Mass Media

Traditional forms of communication like TV, radio, newspapers, and adverts that reach many people at once.

Social Media

Online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok where people share information and interact instantly.

Mental Health

A state of wellbeing regarding how one thinks, feels, and behaves, including emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.

Quality of life

A measure of how happy, healthy, and comfortable people feel, determined by factors like health, safety, education, and the environment.