The national flag : an agent of prejudice?

Abstract

This study explored significant effects on prejudice towards foreigners expressed by Maltese individuals when exposed to the Maltese national flag, taking into consideration their nationalistic and patriotic tendencies. A volunteer sample of university students was surveyed via a web-based questionnaire where nationalism, patriotism and prejudice against foreigners were measured using the image of the Maltese flag as an experimental variable. Analysis of the results indicates that for the sample population, subtle exposure to the Maltese flag has the effect of reducing expressions of prejudice. These results provide some insight into the psychological factors that may mould reactions Maltese people have towards foreigners with consequent political and social implications.