A socio-spatial study of perceptions and attitudes towards immigrants

Abstract

The Maltese Islands have recently been experiencing an influx of immigrants. This may give rise to intergroup tensions, ultimately evoking perceptions of threats in members of host communities, leading to negative attitudes toward immigrants. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly vital to address this issue. The purpose of this study is to investigate Maltese and Gozitans' general perceptions and attitudes towards immigrants, and to determine the underlying factors for such characteristics. Using the Chi-squared test, this study analysed the association between individual-level and contextual-level factors, and perceptions and attitudes towards immigrants. Perceptions towards immigrants were largely found to be neutral. Concerning attitudes, the Maltese Islands' population tends to have a positive attitude towards cultural diversity whilst at the same time favouring more restrictionist immigration policies. With regards to determinants, contact was found to play the greatest role in positively relating to pro-immigrant attitudes; while contrarily, being middle aged, unemployed and of a low education level, reduces tolerance towards immigrants. Further justifying contact‟s positive impact, results demonstrate that living in ethno-culturally diverse areas implies more positive attitudes towards immigrants through increased contact opportunities. This study contributes to the scarce literature examining perceptions and attitudes towards immigrants in the Maltese Islands, and the determinants for such characteristics. Such approach is significant for decision makers in order to alleviate and if possibly eliminate any negative perceptions and attitudes toward immigrants. This is crucial for effective integration, especially given that diversity resulting from immigration is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.