Roma Groups Research Articles

Equitable access to drinking-water: focus on European Union member states

ABSTRACT The European Union's (EU) 2020 Drinking Water Directive (DWD) requires member states to advance equitable access to drinking-water and to promote tap water. Although access to drinking-water is high in most EU member states, disparities still exist, for example, among vulnerable and marginalized groups such as the homeless, Roma, and traveller groups. To analyze challenges and measures taken in high-income EU member states, we reviewed national reports from the UNECE/WHO Protocol on Water and Health and conducted a survey and interviews among water regulators. Reported barriers include insufficient data, a lack of mechanisms to identify vulnerable and marginalized groups, a lack of investment in rural areas, affordability concerns, and limited coordination between institutions. Measures comprise improving data on access by vulnerable and marginalized groups, introducing or revising social tariffs, and directing funding to rural areas. As the barriers are crosscutting, the involvement of all relevant institutions is crucial, and coordination and cooperation between the national and local level is indispensable. The DWD creates momentum for progressing equitable access in the EU and is expected to foster evidence-based government actions to improve equitable access to drinking-water.

An observational study in Roma women in Greece: measuring health factors in an understudied group

Abstract Background The Roma have always been one of the most vulnerable and at the same time understudied minority groups in Europe, living under difficult conditions and experiencing discrimination. The aim of the present work was to summarize the health and lifestyle profile of Roma women living in various regions of Greece. Methods A multi-center, observational study was implemented in April-June 2022, in the context of a national program entitled “Empowering Young Roma Women in matters of health, prevention and human rights: a new methodological approach”. Roma women, living in 5 areas of Greece, and health professionals working with Roma groups were considered as eligible to participate. A two-step, methodological approach was followed: a. qualitative study with Focus Groups and b. questionnaire-based survey. Results In total, n = 41 participants in FGs, and n = 99 responders in survey were recorded. 40% of participants were smokers (>10-15 cigarettes/day). Main quitting reasons, were “to set a good example and cost’. Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, low plant-based foods intake, frequent breakfast omission and eating-out were reported by the vast majority of participants. Only 15% of responders had undergone typical, gynecological, screening tests while 1 in 5 responders used contraception. Regarding vaccinations, even if about 8 in 10 women seemed to comply with the obligatory vaccines for their children, a high vaccination reluctancy in 70% of the study sample was recorded in case of vaccination in adulthood. Conclusions This study stands one of the very few that underscore the vulnerability of Roma women in terms of poor health literacy, unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and low motivation to typical preventive measures. Improving access to primary health care services and tailored, culturally sensitive training is crucial. Key messages • Social inclusion of the increasing population of Roma women is crucial. • Health promotion, taking into consideration Roma women’s special needs, shall be a decisive factor of this process.

Ethnic Peculiarities and Inter-ethnic Parallels in the Traditional Material Culture of the Hungarians of Ugocsa

The Hungarians living in the present-day Transcarpathian region have lived peacefully for centuries together with the majority Ruthenian/Ukrainian population, as well as with the Romanian, German, Roma and other ethnic groups, who live in a similar minority to the Hungarians. Ethnographers and tourists visiting the region are convinced that these nationalities have retained the characteristics of their culture to this day. At the same time, it is worth observing how this long historical coexistence is reflected in the way of life and mentality of these people. The parallels between Ruthenian and Hungarian language and folklore, folk customs are excellent examples of interethnic relations, but I have also encountered similar examples when researching the traditional material culture of the villages in Ugocsa. In the field of folk architecture, for example, the gate called tőkés kapu, as well as the abora, aszaló [the dryer] and the barn. Interethnic phenomena between Hungarians, Ruthenians and other nationalities of the region can also be observed in folk costumes (the guba, or the shoes called bochkor). Throughout history, in Transcarpathia, which belonged to different state formations, it was noticeable that culture was not strictly tied to peoples. Thanks to the tolerance shown towards each other, the nationalities of the region have preserved their ethnic and religious characteristics and identity, but we can also find many similarities in their cultures. When studying the interactions that mutually enrich each other's culture and provide a colorful and attractive image to the region, it is often impossible to find out who borrowed from whom and when. During the ethnographic research of the local communities, the main point is to take into account the ethnic interaction of the nationalities living here, as the folk culture of the local Hungarians is determined by the aggregation of the cultures of different ethnicities.

Cardiovascular risk factors among Roma and non-Roma populations in underprivileged settlements.

The 'Taking the screening tests close to the people' program offers cardiovascular screening to the inhabitants of underprivileged settlements. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors of underprivileged populations, including individuals who described themselves as belonging to the Roma population. During the program, we collected information about demographic features, lifestyle and current illnesses. A general health assessment (body weight, height, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose) and cardiovascular examination were performed. We analysed data on both Roma and non-Roma groups and used Pearson's chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression models to analyse the factors that contribute to the onset of comorbidities, with a special focus on ethnicity. Data from 6211 participants were processed. Based on self-reports, the non-Roma population consisted of 5352 respondents (1364 men (25.5%) and 3988 women (74.5%)), and the Roma population comprised 859 respondents (200 men (23.3%) and 659 women (76.7%)). A total of 91.2% (4849) of the non-Roma population and 92.5% (788) of the Roma population exercised less than 3h per week (p < 0.001). Of the non-Roma population, 71.7% (3512) had a body mass index above 25kg/m2, while the corresponding figure was 72.4% (609) in the Roma population (p = 0.709). The median body mass index was 28.0 (24.6-31.9) in the non-Roma population and 28.8 (24.5-33.0) in the Roma population (p < 0.001). The prevalence of active smokers was 28.7% (1531) in the non-Roma population and 60.3% (516) in the Roma population (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension was 54.9% (2824) in the non-Roma population and 49.8% (412) in the Roma population (p < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes was 11.5% (95) in the Roma population and 12.2% (619) in the non-Roma population (p < 0.001). We found a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, a lack of physical activity and an remarkably high smoking rate in the studied underprivileged population. Both type 2 diabetes and hypertension were more common among people living in underprivileged settlements than in the general Hungarian population. People living in underprivileged settlements need more attention in primary care.

Genetic variability of Roma population in Serbia: The perspective from autosomal STR markers.

Genetic variability of Roma population was shaped by the strong influence of genetic drift and gene flow during the migrations from their ancestral homeland in Indian subcontinent towards Europe. In addition, social stigmatization in many European countries, as a consequence of different cultural heritage and social practices, induced further genetic differentiation and sub structuring within the population. Although many populations genetic studies on European Roma were carried out, the genetic structure of the Serbian Roma has not been described yet, since only the modest number of individuals from this territory was analyzed. The main aim of this study was the characterization of genetic variability of the Roma and the assessment of intrapopulation genetic differentiation based on the analysis of 21 autosomal STR loci of 259 self-identified unrelated individuals from Serbia. Intrapopulation analysis revealed divergence of Roma groups illustrating the effect of the historical events after their arrival on Balkan Peninsula and emphasizing significance of the religious affiliation on admixture with autochthonous population. Genetic distance analysis showed the greatest similarity of the studied population with the Middle Eastern populations, while South Asian and European population were more distant. Our results demonstrate that Roma groups in this region of Balkan Peninsula do not represent completely isolated, but rather admixed populations with different proportion of gene flow with other Roma and non-Roma groups.

The experiences and outcomes of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller pregnant people in pregnancy: A scoping review.

Within Europe, Roma, Gypsy, and Traveller groups have been marginalized and discriminated against by larger society. Persecution and displacement have resulted in high rates of unemployment, reduced access to education, and poorer health, with significantly increased risk of poverty compared with the general population. In pregnancy, there appears to be a gap in the literature surrounding the experiences and outcomes of pregnant people within these ethnic groups. The aim of this study was therefore to scope published research, specifically questioning "What is the experience of Roma Gypsy and Traveller pregnant people who access maternity care?" and "What are the obstetric outcomes within these groups?" This review followed frameworks proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, Levac, and the Joanna Brigg's Institute. The PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) tool was used. The search strategy and specific terms were chosen using the population-concepts-context framework. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently by two reviewers. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined to set clear guidance for reviewers to identify appropriate studies. Five electronic databases were searched (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE [OVID] Web of Science and SCOPUS). A charting form was developed to record key characteristics systematically and uniformly from the studies. Five themes were identified: systemic issues, antenatal care, complications of pregnancy, birth experience, and postnatal care. Systemic issues included racism, barriers to care, and adapted antenatal care. Antenatal issues included teenage pregnancy, smoking, risk of venous thrombus embolism, dietary issues, risk of communicable diseases, domestic violence, and mental health concerns. Increased risks of congenital abnormalities, growth restriction, premature labor, and perinatal and early childhood mortality were identified. For Roma women, negative birth experiences were reported, whereas the experiences of Traveller women varied. The findings identified in this study serve to create a framework upon which healthcare providers can tailor the way in which pregnant people from a Roma, Gypsy, or Irish Traveller background are cared for. Using such a framework would hopefully begin to reduce the systematic marginalization and discrimination of these minorities.

Exploring Spatial Proximity and Social Exclusion through Two Case Studies of Roma Settlements in Greece

Roma groups in Greece are a long-standing socially deprived population that faces extreme social exclusion and segregation. Their marginalization includes limited access to education, employment, and housing. This paper explores their spatial position and social exclusion, comparing the social profile and life conditions in two case studies of Roma settlements with those of the municipal and regional units to which they belong. Methodologically, we analyze quantitative data from the 2011 Population Census to measure life conditions at three levels (settlement, municipal unit, regional unit), and we also use qualitative data from interviews with representatives of local agencies and residents of the two settlements to document our hypotheses on the causal relations between the spatial position and the social exclusion of Roma groups. The comparison shows that the two Roma settlements are clearly different from their entourage, assembling the lowest positions in the labor market, the weakest performances in education, the largest households, and the worst housing conditions. This case of extreme social exclusion in ghettoized spatial proximity raises the question about the significance of micro-segregation and the way it works in different contexts, as well as the need for further research for a more comprehensive understanding of the relation between social inequality and spatial distance.

Правова політика щодо домашнього насильства в окремих етнонаціональних групах (на прикладі ромів)

The article is devoted to the study of the legal problem of domestic violence in certain ethno-national groups on the example of the Roma by determining the peculiarities of the status of Roma women and presenting proposals for legal regulation of the problem. It has been proven that women of the Roma national minority are in a special risk group of becoming victims of domestic violence. Deeply rooted in social and cultural norms, domestic violence remains one of the most urgent and complex problems of our time. The following characteristic features of domestic violence in Roma groups are identified, which are determined by social and cultural and mental factors of the life of this national minority: Roma women can experience violence from a wide group of men of the entire Roma community; domestic violence is provoked by a special way of managing the economy, lack of proper infrastructure and living conditions; Roma remain one of the poorest groups in modern society, which is an additional factor in domestic violence; Roma women are characterized by cross-discrimination (multi-discrimination) on several grounds; social alienation and isolation of Roma causes a low level of education, fear of public authorities, mistrust of the law enforcement and judicial system. The author proposed changes to the legislation. In particular, the update of the national strategy for promoting the realization of the rights and opportunities of persons belonging to the Roma national minority in Ukrainian society for the period up to 2030. It is proposed to define additional goal #9, which consists in overcoming the problem of domestic violence in Roma communities and ensuring gender inequality of women of the Roma national minority. To fulfill this goal, specific tasks are proposed, In the conclusion, it is noted that the fight against domestic violence is the task of every member of the global community, since only unified single-centered efforts can create conditions for an optimal combination of managerial, legal, cultural, public interests in the context of their integration into social reality and overcoming negative social problems that provoke deviant behavior.

Facilitators for increasing dental attendance of people from vulnerable groups: a rapid review of evidence relevant to the UK

AbstractObjective To rapidly review facilitators of access for vulnerable groups and to evaluate their effectiveness.Methods Data sources: MEDLINE via Ovid. Publications in English from 2000. Data selection: Research involving ‘vulnerable groups' relevant to UK health systems, with a primary outcome of increasing attendance. Data extraction: One author extracted and tabulated data. These were audited by a second author. Data synthesis: A narrative synthesis was produced.Results Data from 31 studies were available for ten vulnerable groups: people with learning, physical or sensory disabilities (n = 8); people experiencing homelessness (n = 6); prisoners (n = 4); asylum-seekers and refugees (n = 3); people living in socioeconomically deprived areas (n = 3); people with severe mental health conditions (n = 2); vulnerable children (n = 2); dependent older people (n = 1); Gypsy, Roma or Traveller groups (n = 1); and people with drug dependency (n = 1). Many facilitators involved organisational reform and more integration of health, social and other services. Other facilitators included: modification of premises; team development and skill-mix use; and awareness of needs and flexible services to meet them. Few studies evaluated effectiveness.Conclusion Although facilitators for access for vulnerable groups have been proposed, there is little evidence to support or refute their effectiveness. Efforts are needed to promote access for vulnerable groups in the UK with evaluation plans embedded.

Migratory encounters, common idiom, and the king: The relationship between two Roma groups from Poland in transnational social space

Roma ethnicity presents scholars with plenty of conceptual and methodological challenges, which in the light of the increased mobility of that largest European minority after EU enlargements has additionally perplexed academics and policymakers alike. This article presents our fieldwork data derived from encounters and conversations with Roma individuals in Poland and England. Our approach to this issue is rooted in the emic perspective, examining how Roma people navigate and cope with their own heterogeneity. By focusing on the relationship between two Roma groups from Poland, namely Polska Roma and Bergitka (or Carpathian) Roma, we shed light on Roma’s practical approaches to their group identity. We explore what is at stake when boundaries are encountered, negotiated, and occasionally bridged, in particular when it comes to gender and conflict resolution strategies. In the article, we account for the two groups’ interconnections through the history of migrations and current modes of transnational living. We show how, interestingly, nationality or common country of origin may become the binding factor. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0 .

Planning Hatvan: Urban Planning and Repression in One of Baia Mare’s Roma Neighbourhoods (1950-1989)

Abstract This paper starts from the premise that social space, the state space, is a socially productive territory characterized, among other things, by hierarchical social, economic and political relations. This hierarchical dimension of space comes to the fore when researching the urban marginalization of Roma people in Romania. The mechanisms of exclusion employed by the state against Roma groups are situated in a wide range of other policies, among which uneven territorial development ranks chief. As such, this paper seeks to analyse the junction between these processes. It asks the question: how did the process of urban planning reinforce the urban marginalization of Roma people during socialism in Baia Mare? In order to address this question, I mobilize the results of two years of archival research in the city of Baia Mare, coupled with the discursive analysis of this archival material. I perform a diachronic analysis of how Roma people were targeted by state practices of urban marginalization, such as stigmatization, criminalization and repression. I show how the policies of systematisation of Baia Mare shaped the territory of a particular neighbourhood – Hatvan, attempting to manage and control the Roma population there. Throughout the 1960s, Hatvan was considered a focal point for crime. This led to a large-scale plan to completely transform the area through evictions, demolitions and the displacement of Roma people. The result was a place that was seen as clean, ordered and lawful social space, which became what is currently known as the Vasile Alecsandri neighbourhood. However, this space continues to this day to be one of social marginalisation, economic deprivation and institutionalised racism.

Raising and Educating Children in a Roma Family to Practice their Faith Through Roma Customs

Aim. The main aim of the paper is to highlight the education of children in Roma families to practice their faith through Roma customs. The authors identify the practice of faith in Roma holidays which are baptism, sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation, funeral. Methods. The authors use the literary-descriptive method which they use for analytical-synthetic gathering of professional and scientific knowledge. They overlap these with the practical field empirical experience of the authors dealing with the issue. Results. The Roma family is a patriarchal constitution ensuring the transmission of the cultural and customary heritage of the Roma. Through education by imitation, children learn through the customs and habits of their relatives to observe and practice the faith, thus ensuring the continuation of the family line in a living faith. Conclusion. The Roma have adopted majority Christianity in Slovakia as their own. However, Roma groups retain their customs and rituals, which they have incorporated into their religion and practice of faith. For the Roma, religion and its association with customs and traditions is a connection to God. Therefore, these rituals need to be observed in order to be handed down to the next generation.

Caravan politics in the depoliticised city: Applying and opposing exceptional measures for Dutch Traveller, Sinti, and Roma caravan sites

This article analyses the depoliticisation of Dutch caravan politics, which has resulted in massive pitch shortages threatening the existence of the specific caravan housing culture of Dutch Travellers, Sinti and Roma groups. The rationality underlying the repressive governance of caravans is understood as a depoliticised affirmation of technocratic solutions to an unwanted and racialised housing culture. However, as in many other European countries, Dutch authorities have been summoned to work on Roma and Traveller inclusion programmes and address pitch shortages. The increased pressure on the Dutch government culminated in 2018 when it adopted a new framework that prohibits any further measures to repress caravan culture. In what follows, a situated account of depoliticised caravan politics – and resistance to it (i.e. re-politicisation efforts) – is presented by examining the case of Teersdijk, a large campsite in the city of Nijmegen.

Raluca Bianca Roman, Sofiya Zahova, and Aleksandar G. Marinov, eds. Roma Writings. Romani Literature and Press in Central, South-Eastern and Eastern Europe from the 19th Century until World War II

Raluca Bianca Roman, Sofiya Zahova, and Aleksandar G. Marinov, eds. <i>Roma Writings. Romani Literature and Press in Central, South-Eastern and Eastern Europe from the 19th Century until World War II</i>

Ethnicities in Post-Communist Romania: Spatial Dynamics, Fractionalisation, and Polarisation at the NUTS-3 Level

Scholars have shown a special interest in discovering and studying the role of ethnic diversity and spatiality at the country and region levels. This study contributes to the theoretical debate on the spatial dynamics of ethnicities, with the aim of (1) determining the evolution of ethnic dynamics in post-communist Romania and (2) applying ethnic fractionalisation and polarisation indices. The study uses a mixed methods approach based on a descriptive statistics analysis and applies the fractionalisation and polarisation indices to Romania’s NUTS-3 (i.e., county) level. The findings suggest that the ethnic spatial dynamics in post-communist Romania have shown a decrease in all ethnicities due to migration and low birth rates, with the exception of the Roma ethnicity, for whom the trend is increasing. Additionally, polarisation and fractionalisation indices have different evolutionary manifestations depending on the dynamics of the ethnic groups present in certain geographical areas. Although neither of the two analysed indices has witnessed profound change at the spatial level, these small changes in spatial and short-term ethnic diversity can help us advance knowledge about co-existence in ethnically diverse societies. Higher values of the two indices are obvious in several counties where ethnic Hungarians cohabitate with Romanians and other ethnicities. This discovery can inform policy-makers to implement more policies for the further peaceful co-existence of Hungarians, Romanians, and other ethnic groups in Transylvania and other western counties in Romania. Furthermore, as the population growth trend for the Roma ethnicity is upward, Romania has to implement proper policies and build better government infrastructure to counter social inequality against the Roma people. This will help curb potential conflicts between the Roma and other ethnic groups at the local level. Finally, as most ethnicities decreased in number in post-communist times, further attention needs to be paid to the erosion of ethnic diversity in Romania because this could have a negative impact on economic development, social trust, and democracy.

Health status and cardiovascular risk of Roma and non-Roma population in underprivileged settlements

The "Taking the screening tests in place" program offers cardiovascular screening activities to the inhabitants of underprivileged settlements. Evaluation of the health status and cardiovascular risk of the Roma and non-Roma population in underprivileged settlements. Information was collected about the demography, lifestyle, current illnesses, access to healthcare and the quality of patient information. General health check (body weight, height, blood pressure, blood sugar, ankle-brachial index) and cardiovascular examination were performed. Data were analyzed in Roma and non-Roma groups with Pearson's chi-squared test. 3649 people participated in the study (851 [23%] men, 2798 [77%] women), 16% (598) of the investigated population belonged to the Roma population. The mean age of men in the general population was 58 years and of women 55 years, in the Roma population 48 years and 47 years. People in the Roma population smoked more often (men 45%, women 64%) than people in the general population (both sexes 30%). In the Roma population, the consumption of sugary soft drinks at least four times a week (men 55% vs. women 43%) and the BMI (men 30 vs. 29, woman 29 vs. 28) were significantly higher. In the Roma population, 31% of the men and 13% of the women thought that their health status was bad, while in the general population it was 17% of men and 8% of women. Incidence of COPD (18% vs. 9%), coronary disease (18% vs. 13%), peripheral artery disease (13% vs. 9%) was significantly higher in the Roma population among women. In the investigated population, the Roma inhabitants were significantly younger, smoked more, they were more obese, the chronic diseases were more common among them, and they considered their health status worse than the general population. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(20): 792-799.

Livelihood Strategies during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Materially Disadvantaged Roma Communities from Covasna County, Romania

The study aims to analyze the livelihood strategies related to the labour market during the coronavirus pandemic in the context of the material and income situation in Roma communities in a multicultural rural area of Covasna County, Romania. The data source comprises adapted sociological research that was carried out using multiple methods in 2021, in three localities: Boroșneu, Ojdula, and Zăbala in Covasna County, Romania. Of the dimensions examined, housing deprivation, material deprivation, and unemployment were of particular importance. Based on these dimensions, we analyzed the local economic situation and social services; we then developed a typology of dimensions to analyze the livelihood strategies of Roma groups from different socio-economic backgrounds during the coronavirus pandemic. We tried to answer questions about the changes and ways of adaptation in the livelihood strategies of Roma communities to the restrictions that occurred during the coronavirus pandemic in Romania from 2020–2021. The results of the research show that during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the material and income situations worsened for people previously employed in the informal labour market, involved in precarious work, and those of very low work intensity in selected rural Roma communities in Covasna County. Neither the regulations and legal measures introduced, nor the social protection system, was sensitive to the needs of the Roma, who were the most vulnerable to the social consequences of the pandemic restrictions.

COVID-19 vaccination decisions among Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities: A qualitative study moving beyond “vaccine hesitancy”

BackgroundMany people refuse vaccination and it is important to understand why. Here we explore the experiences of individuals from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller groups in England to understand how and why they decided to take up or to avoid COVID-19 vaccinations. MethodsWe used a participatory, qualitative design, including wide consultations, in-depth interviews with 45 individuals from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller, communities (32 female, 13 male), dialogue sessions, and observations, in five locations across England between October 2021 and February 2022. FindingsVaccination decisions overall were affected by distrust of health services and government, which stemmed from prior discrimination and barriers to healthcare which persisted or worsened during the pandemic. We found the situation was not adequately characterised by the standard concept of “vaccine hesitancy”. Most participants had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, usually motivated by concerns for their own and others’ health. However, many participants felt coerced into vaccination by medical professionals, employers, and government messaging. Some worried about vaccine safety, for example possible impacts on fertility. Their concerns were inadequately addressed or even dismissed by healthcare staff. InterpretationA standard "vaccine hesitancy" model is of limited use in understanding vaccine uptake in these populations, where authorities and health services have been experienced as untrustworthy in the past (with little improvement during the pandemic). Providing more information may improve vaccine uptake somewhat; however, improved trustworthiness of health services for GRT communities is essential to increase vaccine coverage. FundingThis paper reports on independent research commissioned and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, the Department of Health and Social Care or its arm's length bodies, and other Government Departments.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL “TERRAIN” ON SOCIAL NETWORKS: THE IMPACT OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES ON ROMA GROUPS IN MONTENEGRO

Modern technologies, i.e. the availability of the Internet on various modern devices, have enabled the opening of “new” social portals and the interweaving of the virtual and real worlds. Social networks have branched out the possibility of connecting between different subjects and different communities, but also created an opportunity for anthropologists to research different cultural phenomena in a different way. With just one click, that is, by accepting the friendship of Roma men or Roma women on social networks, we gained insight into new practices. Personally, I have over seventy friends from the Roma population on my Facebook list, so practically, for many years, I could do “field research from home”. Namely, considering the frequency of Facebook using, as well as the diverse content that Roma publish on a daily basis, which ranges from visual information about their everyday life, sharing videos and photos with religious themes, live broadcastsing of holiday celebrations, engagements and weddings, a whole field of possible anthropological research opened up. Regardless of the fact that this method always depends on the “traditional” way of research, it revealed new practices and mechanisms that are very useful in process of searching for answers to following questions: How much and how are Roma groups changing and in what way the modern technologies and especially young people had an impact on those processes? How powerful has the Internet become in reuniting and bringing together separated members of the Roma family? In the preservation of tradition, even language, through the broadcasting of ritual practices? In strengthening religious identity due to wider availability of religious content? More precisely, the answer to the question of how Roma “live” in the virtual world and how that world affects the entire community when they are offline?

Building partnerships in education through a story-tool based intervention: Parental involvement experiences among families with Roma backgrounds.

School educators are likely to explain the poor educational trajectories of students with Roma backgrounds related to the lack of parental support and interest in children's education. Aiming to understand further the patterns of Roma group's parental involvement in children's school life and their engagement experiences in school-related activities, the current research set an intervention supported by a culturally sensitive story-tool. Grounded in the intervention-based research framework, 12 participants (i.e., mothers) from different Portuguese Roma groups participated in this study. Data was collected through interviews conducted pre-and postintervention. Eight weekly sessions were delivered in the school context, using a story-tool and hands- on activities to generate culturally significant meanings regarding attitudes, beliefs, and values toward children's educational trajectories. Through the lens of acculturation theory, data analysis provided important findings under two overarching topics: patterns of parental involvement in children's school life and participants' engagement in the intervention program. Data show the distinct ways Roma parents participate in children's education and the relevance of mainstream contexts providing an atmosphere likely to build collaborative relationships with parents to overcome barriers to parental involvement.