Exploring the origins and motives behind cancel culture : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

The study aims to explore the opinion of the Maltese society on the phenomenon of cancel culture. Furthermore, it investigates the effects that derive from cancel culture and how the origins of this phenomenon have impacted today’s society. It outlines the statistical difference between demographic categories such as age and gender. A mixed-method approach was taken – for qualitative research, three focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 participants; for quantitative research, an online survey was distributed where it received 150 responses. Pearson’s Chi-Square distribution was carried out in order to determine whether an association between categorical variables exist. The study found that there are differences between gender in certain aspects of cancel culture, as well as with age. The 18-24 age group was further analysed as this age group was deemed to be most the knowledgeable and also contained the biggest sample size. The findings of this study are discussed in close correlation with Natalie Wynn’s seven cancel culture tropes that will be discussed in Chapter 2. Lastly, the limitations of the study, as well as future recommendations are outlined.