For a global sense of place : beyond ‘native’ and ‘migrant’ in St Joseph High Road, Ħamrun, Malta

Abstract

A particularly busy main road in the central town of Ħamrun (population: 10,500), exemplifies an intricate coming together of the local and the global in contemporary Malta. Here, commercial and other service outlets have overtaken residential units; and as the Maltese-born population ages and moves out, migrants have moved in. The names and labour force of many retail outlets now express national identities beyond Malta. Shop owners, managers and workers who are not Maltese-born weave generally uplifting narratives of achieving security and success in Malta, offering testimonials of resilience and hope. In contrast, the native-born rue their current predicament, and speak nostalgically about a mythic past. There are also differences within ‘native’ and within ‘immigrant’ groups; and there is evidence of locals working with immigrants, and vice versa, suggesting some assimilation and integration. This article presents a particular street as redolent of experiences and articulations that are constructed and consumed within, between and across ‘native’ and ‘migrant’ subjectivities. It is inspired by Doreen Massey’s poignant reflections on Kilburn Road, London, and is based on the physical navigation on foot of St Joseph High Road, Ħamrun, on a Saturday in November 2024 by a class of 11 University of Malta sociology students and their professor.