Xenophobia and nationalism in the Maltese context

Abstract

The initial purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between national identity and xenophobia in the Maltese context and identify any variables that could possibly contribute to the hypothesized association. A quantitative approach was utilized in order to fulfil the research objectives. This was done through the distribution of a questionnaire from which 130 valid responses were obtained (13% response rate). The results demonstrated that the association between xenophobia and national identity was present in the given sample. Other variables that were found to be of significance in relation to xenophobia were one’s attitudes toward the arrival of irregular immigrants, attachment to Malta and Europe and an ethnic conception of national identity. On the other hand, social status, integration preference, attachment to hometown and a civic conception of national identity were not found to contribute to xenophobic attitudes. In conclusion, the research study provides an overview of the relevance of specific variables that may be related to anti-immigrant attitudes locally, while also incorporating previous research as a backdrop for analysis.