5.2% of people in Malta consider themselves to be ‘very racist’, a survey has revealed.
The survey, commissioned by the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing and carried out by Sagalytics, interviewed 600 people aged 16 and upwards, asking them about a myriad of topics, such as crime, migration, politics and the issues that are most important to them.
In the migration section, respondents were asked whether, in their opinion, they consider themselves to be racist.
Aside from those who believe themselves to be ‘very racist’, 14% consider themselves to be slightly racist.
33.2% of respondents said that they are ‘not so racist’ while 47.7% said that they are ‘absolutely not racist’.
The 16-25 age group saw the highest percentage of respondents say that they are racist, with 52.1% of this age group saying that they are either very racist or slightly racist.
The respondents were asked a number of other questions tied to migration. Among other things, respondents were asked whether they believe immigrants contribute to strengthening the country more than they are burdensome for the country. Around 40% disagreed with the statement. 31.2% gave a neutral reply while 29% agreed with this statement.
The survey saw 67.5% of respondents say that they believe that racial discrimination is a problem in the country. 18.3% gave a neutral answer while the rest do not believe it is a problem.
Another question asked to respondents was to state how acceptable it would be if an (African) immigrant married a member of their family (such as their child). 38.7 said that this would be acceptable, while 25.6% gave a neutral answer. The rest, would find it unacceptable.
Another question posed to respondents was whether it would be ok for immigrants to live near their home. Nearly 53% said it would be ok. 23.2% gave a neutral answer while 24% would have a problem with it.
Respondents were also asked about the effect of migration on salaries in Malta. Nearly 31% believe that the main reason for low wages in the country is immigration. 32.7% gave a neutral answer, while 36.4% disagreed.