The Maltese flag : an agent of prejudice?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore significant effects on the prejudice towards foreigners expressed by Maltese individuals when exposed to the Maltese national flag taking into consideration their nationalistic and patriotic tendencies. An independent groups’ design was used to survey a convenience sample of university students, via a web-based questionnaire. 90% of valid respondents (N=207) were between 18 and 45 years old and 72% were females. The dependent variable was prejudice against foreigners and the predictor variables were the exposed flag condition, nationalism and patriotism. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted to examine the variance in the scores for prejudice, nationalism and patriotism as dependent variables that are accounted for by variance in the exposed flag. Furthermore a stepwise, backward multiple regression analysis was done to model the prediction of prejudice on the independent variables and their interaction. The overall finding is that subtle exposure to the Maltese flag has the effect of reducing expressions of prejudice for the Maltese sample population. The findings, which are discussed with reference to previous research and theoretical perspectives, have political and social implications that support the notion that patriotic nation building should be based on humanitarian values and that the Maltese flag should be associated with these values. The limitations of the study are discussed and future research that could help to resolve limitations and also extend the findings is suggested.