Maltese and Gozitans : a social identity approach

Abstract

The inhabitants of the Maltese islands, Maltese and Gozitans, pertain to the same country. They reside in various regions; one of which, Gozo, is geographically separate from mainland Malta. In light of this, this study investigates whether there are differences between the Maltese and Gozitan people - shedding light on their social identities and the social representations that inform them. A qualitative methodology was used to investigate the underlying question - this was done by organizing four focus groups with Maltese and Gozitan students enrolled at the University of Malta. The data collected was later analysed using Thematic Network Analysis. Based on the patterns drawn from the transcribed text of the aforementioned focus groups this study demonstrates that both groups consider Gozitans as both Maltese and Gozitans, whilst Maltese are considered as being only Maltese. The participants affirmed the existence of a Gozitan identity and argued that in Gozo there exists a distinct culture from that which pertains to mainland Malta.