Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of “Roma health and wellbeing” as a focus of attention in European research and in policy and the possible detrimental consequences of action founded on a generic representation of “Roma health.”Design/methodology/approachBased on discussions with and research conducted by scholars who work directly with Roma communities across European regions from a wide range of academic disciplines it suggests how future research might inform: a more nuanced understanding of the causes of poor health and wellbeing among diverse Roma populations and; actions that may have greater potential to improve the health and wellbeing among these populations.FindingsIn summary, the authors promote three types of research: first critical analyses that unpick the implications of current and past representations of “Roma” and “Roma health.” Second, applied participatory research that meaningfully involves people from specific self-defined Roma populations to identify important issues for their health and wellbeing. Third, learning about processes that might impact on the health and wellbeing of Roma populations from research with other populations in similarly excluded situations.Originality/valueThe authors provide a multidisciplinary perspective to inform research that does not perpetuate further alienation and prejudice, but promotes urgent action to redress the social and health injustices experienced by diverse Roma populations across Europe.
Highlights
The Roma in Europe overall numbers are widely contested1 Roma are thought to form the largest minority ethnic group in the European region (WHO, 2017)
The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of “Roma health and wellbeing” as a focus of attention in European research and in policy and the possible detrimental consequences of action founded on a generic representation of “Roma health.”
The authors provide a multidisciplinary perspective to inform research that does not perpetuate further alienation and prejudice, but promotes urgent action to redress the social and health injustices experienced by diverse Roma populations across Europe
Summary
The Roma in Europe overall numbers are widely contested Roma are thought to form the largest minority ethnic group in the European region (WHO, 2017). Less than 20 percent of Roma are believed to live an itinerant lifestyle (including seasonal mobility across regional and national borders), with the majority seeking to settle or required to do so through coercive policy directives (Matras, 2015a; Donert, 2010). Roma have faced generations of discrimination and persecution and tend to experience higher levels of poverty and lower access to education and employment than majority populations (Sigona and Vermeersch, 2012; Tanner, 2005). Roma women can face various forms of gender-based discrimination and violence across the lifecourse (including forced sterilisation) that compound the effects of ethnic- and classbased disadvantages (Zampas and Lamačková, 2011; Bollini et al, 2009; European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 2013). Like many “excluded” or “minority” groups, Roma populations have been hit hard by the 2008 economic recession that has affected much of the European region (Ghosh, 2011)
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