Public opinion and protest efficacy: A study on the proposed yacht marina in Marsaskala, Malta

Visanich, V. (2022). Public opinion and protest efficacy: a study on the proposed yacht marina in Marsaskala, Malta. Xjenza, 10(2), 103-114.

This article contributes to the analyses of the efficacy of social movements. 

Public opinion data regarding environmental concerns are central to a better understanding of the effects of social movements in sensitising environmental issues, and at times changing political decisions. In August 2021, Transport Malta issued an expression of interest for the design, construction and operation of a 700-berth yacht marina in the bay of Marsaskala, a fast-growing locality in the south east of the Maltese Islands. A social movement made up of residents, non-residents, an environmental NGO and local stakeholders organised a number of protests following the publication of the marina plans. The aim of this article is to identify underlying factors causing individuals’ concerns on the proposed development. It explores the environmental movement surrounding this concern and analyses survey data on public opinion. It does so to better understand the extent of specific areas of impact that the proposed marina would have on the community of Marsaskala. Specifically, it focuses on how this would impinge on the everyday life of citizens. Results point to the social, environmental and economic impacts that this development would have, particularly on the community infrastructure of the locality of Marsaskala. Discussion focuses on how the ongoing impact on public opinion and protest, not only on mobilising public opinion but impacting political decisions.

Online link to paper (Open Access): 

https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/102690/1/Public%20opinion%20and%20protest%20efficacy%20%20a%20study%20on%20the%20proposed%20yacht%20marina%20in%20Marsaskala%20Malta%202022.pd

Image: Wikipedia - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malta_-_Marsaskala_-_Triq_is-Salini%2BMarsaskala_Bay%2BTriq_Zonqor_02_ies.jpg#/media/File:Malta_-_Marsaskala_-_Triq_is-Salini+Marsaskala_Bay+Triq_Zonqor_02_ies.jpg

Handbook of Civil Society and Social Movements in Small States

Briguglio L., Briguglio M., Bunwaree S. & Slatter C. (Eds.) Handbook of Civil Society and Social Movements in Small States, Oxford: Routledge, 2023. 

This volume is unique because of its focus on small states. There are many studies on civil society and social movements, but none that specifically deal with this category of countries. As is well known, small states have particular characteristics, including a limited ability to reap the benefits of economies of scale, a high degree of exposure to forces outside their control, and the proximity of politicians to the voters, often leading to clientelistic relationships and patronage networks. The small island developing states have the additional problem of high environmental vulnerability, with some also dealing with disproportionate ecological footprints. These factors have a bearing on the organization and performance of civil society organizations and social movements, as explained in several chapters of this book.

The volume is organized in three parts, dealing with aspects of civil society and social moments in small states in the political, social and environmental spheres, respectively. Various definitions of civil society are proposed in the chapters, but most authors associate the term with organized groups, operating in the interest of citizens, independently of government and commercial business, including various forms of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Civil society also encompasses social movements, which are considered to be loosely organized collective campaigns in pursuit of social goals. These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably; however, some authors argue that social movements tend to engage in ‘contentious politics’ including protests, while NGOs engage through more organized and institutional routes.

Routledge Link to book - Click here

University of Malta access to book: Click here 

Image: Shutterstock via Routledge