The psychology behind society’s growing rage

Malta has witnessed a remarkable economic ascent in recent decades. However, this growth has come with a significant increase in population density, leading to a crowded environment that, according to psychological research, may be contributing to a worrying rise in societal rage, particularly evident in phenomena like road rage. Beyond mere economic figures, the well-being and quality of life of its citizens are paramount, a principle echoed in the ambitious Malta Vision 2050. Achieving this vision, however, will require a willingness to make difficult and often unpopular decisions for the long-term benefit of the nation.

Research in environmental psychology consistently points to a link between increased population density and elevated levels of aggression. While the relationship isn’t always straightforward, studies suggest that objective crowdedness, and more significantly, the perception of crowdedness, can trigger negative emotional responses. When individuals feel that their personal space is constantly being invaded, resources are stretched and competition for even basic amenities intensifies, it can lead to heightened stress, frustration, often culminating in anger. This is not to say that density directly causes rage in every individual. Rather, it acts as a significant environmental stressor that can exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities or lower an individual’s threshold for irritation. In environments where space is limited and interactions are frequent, minor inconveniences can quickly escalate into full-blown confrontations.

Malta is one of the most densely-populated countries in the world. Its land area is finite, and in recent years, the resident population has expanded considerably, driven by migration. This surge has put immense pressure on existing infrastructure, public services, and the overall living environment.

The tangible effects of this increased density are felt daily by residents. Traffic congestion has become a pervasive issue, leading to longer commute times and a constant battle for road space. Limited parking, overcrowded public transport, and a shrinking amount of green spaces further contribute to a sense of being hemmed in. These daily frustrations, while seemingly minor in isolation, accumulate and can erode patience and civility.

It is no coincidence that road rage incidents in Malta appear to be a recurring concern. While direct statistics specifically on “road rage incidents” in Malta are not always readily available in a singular report, the frequent reporting of aggressive driving behaviours and escalating disputes on the roads suggests a clear problem. A 2023 study by the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing found that over 80% of respondents agreed that being stuck in traffic increases their anger. The sheer volume of vehicles navigating limited road networks inevitably leads to more friction, and in an already high-stress environment, these interactions can quickly devolve into aggressive encounters.

While economic growth has undoubtedly brought prosperity to Malta, it is crucial to recognise that a thriving economy does not automatically equate to a high quality of life for all citizens. The pursuit of economic growth without adequate consideration for its social and environmental impacts can inadvertently create a society that is stressed, irritable, and ultimately, less happy.

This understanding is at the very core of Malta Vision 2050. This long-term strategy explicitly aims to move beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the sole measure of national success. Instead, it emphasises broader, more meaningful indicators that reflect the overall well-being of the population, such as life satisfaction, quality of education, healthcare outcomes, and the strength of personal and community relationships. It seeks to place Malta among the top 10 countries globally in the Human Development Index (HDI) by 2050. This fundamental shift underscores a commitment to fostering a society where well-being, opportunity, and quality of life are central to every decision.

To achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2050 and mitigate the negative social impacts of high population density, a strategic pivot is essential. Increasing Malta’s competitiveness not by simply increasing the resident population, but by enhancing our productivity, is the critical pathway forward. This, however, is not a simple task; it requires courage from decision-makers to implement policies that may initially be met with public resistance.

Achieving a higher level of productivity demands taking difficult and often unpopular decisions. These include:

• Discouraging private car use: While convenient for individuals, the sheer volume of private vehicles is unsustainable. Decisions to expand public transport, using also new systems of mass transport, alongside measures to make private car use more expensive (for example congestion charges and metered parking) or even restricting vehicle numbers, will face strong opposition but are vital for alleviating traffic and pollution;
• Reforming the planning system with a focus on green spaces and sustainable development: This would entail stricter regulations on construction, prioritising the preservation of existing green areas, and potentially designating more zones as permanently undeveloped. This would likely be unpopular with developers and some landowners but is crucial for long-term environmental and social well-being;
• Incentivising further higher-value industries and education reform: Shifting the economy towards sectors that require fewer, but more highly-skilled, individuals. This means investing heavily in education and vocational training that aligns with future industry needs. This would involve difficult decisions about the focus of educational curricula and potentially the phasing out of certain lower-wage sectors that attract high numbers of foreign workers;
• Implementing stricter environmental regulations and enforcement: This could include higher fines for littering, stricter controls on waste management and recycling, and aggressive promotion of renewable energy. While essential for sustainability, these measures might be seen as burdensome by businesses and individuals; and
• Addressing Over-Tourism and its impact: While tourism is a pillar of the Maltese economy, it is a low-wage sector that attracts high numbers of foreign workers. Its unchecked growth contributes to crowding and strain on resources. Difficult decisions might include introducing caps on hotel developments, implementing a higher tourism tax or potentially a cap on tourist numbers.

In conclusion, the intertwining of population density and societal rage, as evidenced by phenomena like road rage, presents a pressing challenge for Malta. However, by embracing the principles outlined in Malta Vision 2050 – ensuring that well-being and quality of life move hand in hand with increased economic output – and by strategically focusing on increasing productivity to drive competitiveness rather than simply expanding the resident population, Malta can forge a path towards a more harmonious, sustainable, and truly prosperous future for all. This journey will demand political will and the collective understanding that long-term societal gains often necessitate short-term discomfort and the courage to make unpopular but necessary decisions.