Roma Participants Research Articles

When 'Can I help you?' hurts: Roma experiences of everyday microaggressions in retail outlets.

The concept of microaggressions alerts us how majority group members' everyday behaviour can impact minorities negatively. Recently, some researchers have questioned the criteria for identifying microaggressions and rejected the concept's utility. We maintain that attending to minorities' everyday experiences is important and illustrate this through a three-phase study with Roma in Hungary. First, we conducted interviews exploring their everyday interactional experiences (Phase 1, N = 17); second, Roma participants filmed (naturally occurring) interactions with majority group members (Phase 2, N = 10); third, we showed such filmed interactions to Roma focus groups and recorded their discussions (Phase 3, N = 28). Analysing these discussions, we focused on how the experience of surveillance when shopping (even when manifested in apparently helpful attention from shop assistants) impacted participants in ways that majority group members likely have little awareness of. Specifically, participants reported their need to (a) reflect on (and manage) their emotional reactions; (b) weigh a variety of strategic considerations as to how to respond; and (c) engage in in-the-moment interpretation as to the nature of the interaction. Such experiences negatively impact the use of public space and illustrate the value of adopting the minority's vantage point concerning the identification of microaggressive treatment.

Az online ima kapcsolati rítusa roma közösségekben a pandémia idején

During the pandemic, a worldwide revival of religious discourse was observed. Insecurity and isolation in the Transylvanian Gábor Roma communities, which were heavily affected by the pandemic, also intensified the need to turn to the transcendent. This has given rise to the practice of online prayer (lajvo manglimo) on social media, a ritual of both turning to the sacred and affirming social solidarity. While prayer used to be an institutional or private practice, mainly linked to the Adventist prayer house scene, it has become an ethnicised, online relational ritual in the Covid period, largely in Romani and with Roma participants. Through participation in prayer, Roma who had been forced to isolate themselves from each other created trans-local online communities of practice, and a new public arena for Romani language use was created. This paper examines the structure, function, institutionalisation and impact of online prayer on Romani language use based on data collected through online fieldwork.

A comparative study of the Hungarian-speaking Roma population living in the Carpathian Basin with regard to obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic

AbstractIntroductionObesity is the most threatening non-infectious disease of our time, the basis of many chronic diseases, increasing the mortality rate. The Roma ethnic minority is particularly affected.Materials and methodsCross-sectional–questionnaire and physical–survey in rural settlements of Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, where Roma live with the non-Roma, Hungarian-speaking population (N = 1893).ResultsThe average BMI of the Hungarian (P < 0.001) and Romanian (P = 0.018) samples was significantly higher than that of the Slovak sample. In the case of Roma and non-Roma subjects, we found a significant difference in Hungary (P = 0.006) based on body composition, as well as in the case of visceral fat (P < 0.001). The extremely obese (<40 BMI) are mostly low educated in Romania and Hungary (P < 0.001), while those in normal weight have a tertiary education in Slovakia (P = 0.027). Hungarian Roma and non-Roma participants show significant differences in the physical activity dimension of the SF-36 questionnaire (P < 0.001), as well as in Romania (P < 0.001) and Slovakia (P = 0.002).ConclusionsIn summary, it can be stated that rural Roma subjects in Hungary are in the worst situation in terms of obesity in the three countries studied. In our study, the results in Slovakia clearly suggest a healthier lifestyle.

‘We're still here’: Misrecognition and the quest for dual identification of Roma people

AbstractMisrecognition describes everyday practices that deny the autonomy of minority members to define who they are and instead impose identities that may diverge from their own sense of self. Being misrecognized is particularly relevant for the historically marginalized Roma people, whose national belonging is repeatedly questioned despite centuries of co‐existence and citizenship. Our aim was to understand whether the experience of misrecognition, along with discrimination, would predict identification patterns that represent an obstacle to dual identification among Roma people in three East‐Central European countries: Hungary, Romania and Serbia. We collected data among Roma participants online and face‐to‐face with convenience sampling (N = 1,325). Latent class analysis revealed three similar classes based on national and ethnic identification scores in all subsamples: (1) disidentification, (2) Roma identification and (3) dual identification. Logistic regression analysis showed that misrecognition and discrimination predicted stronger Roma identity than dual identification in Hungary and Serbia. However, misrecognition predicted stronger dual identification in Romania, possibly as a reaffirmation strategy in response to misrecognition. Our results show that misrecognition can add to our understanding of minority group members' identification with the superordinate category of the nation as well as subgroup ethnic minority identity, and this connection could be key for advancing Roma inclusion.

Bodies in the Making? Racial Body Schemas and Roma Youth in Leisure Spaces

Roma youth experience intensive forms of racial discrimination in leisure spaces. However, we lack insight into how Roma youth experience and counter racism in leisure spaces through agency and retaliation. For this reason, this study examines the leisure experiences of Roma youth impacted by racial schemas revolving around white/Turkish bodies. To frame the analysis, Fanon’s concepts of historico-racial and epidermal racial schemas were used. By adopting a qualitative methodology, I conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups involving 22 young Roma individuals. The findings highlight the profound influence of racial schemas associated with white/Turkish bodies on Roma youth. However, Roma youth engaged in challenging these schemas to restore their agency and reclaim their leisure spaces. Furthermore, this study shows that Roma participants are likely to develop self-assertion when experienced explicit racism in leisure spaces; in contrast to racial discrimination that is only conducted through gazing or avoidance.

Exploring marginalized and privileged gender identities: the expectations of Muslim Roma adolescents on their future employment and family life

The aim of the present study is to explore the expectations of adolescents of a minority (i.e., of Roma and Muslim cultural backgrounds from the area of Thrace)[1] and majority status (i.e., dominant group) on their future employment and family life as well as on gender relations. Ninety-one adolescents participated in the study (51 from the dominant group and 40 from the minority, 45 boys and 46 girls). While all participants from the dominant group attended the 3rd grade of Gymnasium or the 1st grade of Lyceum only 8 Muslim Roma participants did so. Adolescents were asked to fill in a questionnaire and to write a short essay titled "A day in my future family". Data were collected in written from the participants of the dominant group and orally from those of Muslim Roma origin. In addition to the statistical analysis, and with respect to the data from the essay, a thematic analysis was carried out in order to identify the adolescents’ images of their future life in both the private and the public sphere. The results of the study reveal the multiple gender identities that are constructed by culturally diverse, with respect to gender and social status, groups of adolescents. They, also, suggest that the participants’ views are shaped by the marginalized or privileged categories in which they belong to. Finally, results show that as boys and girls of both the minority and the dominant groups project themselves in the future, they try to actively construct the social context they will live in, to position themselves within it and to provide meaning to gender relations.
 
 [1]The Thracian minority is the only officially recognized minority in Greece and its position is guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne (Dragonas & Fragoudaki, 2006). The Thracian minority is not an ethno-culturally homogenous group. Τhese are Greek citizens who are either Roma or of Turkish or Pomak origin. Moreover, it is accorded religious but not ethnic status.

Assessment of health status and cardiovascular risk factors in a Roma population sample from South Bulgaria.

Roma population is one of the major ethnic groups in the Central and Eastern Europe, having high rates of chronic diseases and associated risk factors related to their poor social conditions, unhealthy lifestyle and low educational level. The purpose of our study was to assess the health status of Roma from South Bulgaria by means of blood indicators and determine the prevalence of some cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in the Roma population sample. The study group consisted of 60 Roma (23 men and 37 women), mean age 53.7 ± 15.9 years, and the control group consisted of 68 non-Roma from the majority population (29 men and 38 women), mean age 45.8 ± 12.2 years. The data were collected via questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and venous blood samples analyses after an overnight fasting. The Roma population subjects were slightly but significantly older compared to the non-Roma group and both study groups included more women. The fasting glucose, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly higher, and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in Roma compared to the control non-Roma group. The values of cardiovascular risk markers such as TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and lipoprotein combine index (LCI) were significantly higher in Roma compared to non-Roma subjects. The prevalence of obesity in Roma was 35%, diabetes mellitus was recorded in 16.7% of the entire Roma sample, and hyperglycaemia in non-diabetics was recorded in 32%. Hypercholesterolaemia was found in 90% and hypertriglyceridaemia was found in 88.3%. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was high and was encountered in 71.7% of the Roma participants and most of the subjects (96.7%) reported family history of CVD. The studied population showed high smoking rates with 33.3% active smokers. Our study confirmed high prevalence of CV risk factors among Roma population, such as abnormal lipid profile parameters, obesity and heavy smoking and very high cardiovascular morbidity rate. Therefore, adequate measures and healthcare programmes aiming at the early identification, treatment and prevention of CVD risks among Roma are necessary.

Regionalni ekonomski gubici nastali usled isključenosti Romkinja na tržištu rada u Srbiji

In this paper, we calculate the economic costs of labour market exclusion of Roma women at the NUTS 2 level in Serbia in terms of output and fiscal benefits. The approach relies on the analysis of a scenario in which there are no differences in the level of wages or in labour force participation and employment rates between Roma and non-Roma labour market participants. We use Labour Force Survey (LFS) data from 2019 as a basis for the comparison of the Roma and non-Roma in terms of expected gross earnings for working-age individuals provided they are employed. The results show that the total economic loss (output + fiscal) due to the exclusion of Roma women from the labour market in Serbia amounts to about 197.7 million euros on an annual basis. Of that, 70.5% (139.3 million euros) come from output/productivity losses, and 29.5% (58.4 million euros) from fiscal losses. The largest contribution to total economic losses comes from the South and Eastern Serbia region (37.25%), followed by the Vojvodina region (28.25%), the Belgrade region (24.03%) and the Šumadija and Western Serbia region (10.46%).

Religious Education of the Roma People in Greece. The Ecumenical Theological Framework of Communication, Intercultural Inclusion Interventions and a Case Study of Non-Formal Education from the Orthodox Church

Abstract The main concern of this article is to examine the conditions for Roma education through church and religious education. The program of the Holy Metropolis of Demetrias and Almyros “Agios Thaddeos” for the education of Roma is taken as a case study. This program belongs to the non-formal education sector. At the same time, the theological prerequisites of such programs by the Orthodox Church are examined in connection with the cultural identity of the Roma. The article concludes with an exploration of the conditions for the inclusion of Roma in formal education through religious education. The main purpose of Roma participation in religious education is religious literacy rather than catechism, as well as the preservation of their particular cultural identity. Emphasis is placed on the use of the tools of intercultural education and differentiated teaching in religious education based on the new curricula in Greece. In this way, formal and non-formal education are linked.

PARTICIPATION OF ROMA IN SOCIO-POLITICAL LIFE OF UKRAINE: ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE EMPIRICAL STUDY

The article presents the main results of the empirical study which identify the level of access, interest, awareness of Roma in socio-political life in Ukraine. Based on the sociological survey, the barriers to Roma participation in socio-political life and prospects for improving access have been described. During the analysis of the Roma' attitude to the political life of Ukrainian society and the Roma community on the basis of gender, age and educational distribution have been identified a number of factors that determine the guidelines of Roma on participation in political life.

Genetic Susceptibility to Insulin Resistance and Its Association with Estimated Longevity in the Hungarian General and Roma Populations.

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with a wide range of prevalence among different ethnic groups. Early recognition of pre-diabetes is important to prevent the development of the disease, its complications, co-morbidities, and consequently early death. Insulin resistance (IR) is considered a condition that precedes type 2 diabetes; thus, understanding its underlying causes (genetic and non-genetic factors) will bring us closer to preventing it. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic susceptibility to IR and its impact on estimated longevity in populations with different ethnic origins using randomly selected samples of 372 Hungarian general (HG, as a reference with Caucasian origin) and 334 Roma participants (largest ethnic minority in Europe, with a northern India origin). In the present study, we used the Homeostasis Model Assessment—Insulin Resistance (HOMA—IR) to identify people with IR (>3.63) at the population level. To investigate the genetic predisposition to IR, 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in a systematic literature search were selected and genotyped in sample populations. In the analyses, the adjusted p < 0.0033 was considered significant. Of these 29 SNPs, the commutative effects of 15 SNPs showing the strongest association with HOMA—IR were used to calculate an optimized genetic risk score (oGRS). The oGRS was found nominally significantly (p = 0.019) higher in the Roma population compared to HG one, and it was more strongly correlated with HOMA—IR. Therefore, it can be considered as a stronger predictor of the presence of IR among the Roma (AUCRoma = 0.673 vs. AUCHG = 0.528). Furthermore, oGRS also showed a significant correlation with reduced estimated longevity in the Roma population (β = −0.724, 95% CI: −1.230–−0.218; p = 0.005), but not in the HG one (β = 0.065, 95% CI: −0.388–0.518; p = 0.779). Overall, IR shows a strong correlation with a genetic predisposition among Roma, but not in the HG population. Furthermore, the increased genetic risk of Roma is associated with shorter estimated longevity, whereas this association is not observed in the HG one. Increased genetic susceptibility of Roma to IR should be considered in preventive programs targeting the development of type 2 diabetes, which may also reduce the risk of preventable premature death among them.

Impact of foot health behavior among ethnic minority populations: A cross-sectional population-based study.

To analyze the impact of the foot health and health behavior and the characteristics of outdoor footwear among minority ethnic groups. A cross-sectional study design using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire: foot pain, foot function, shoe, general foot health, general health, physical activity, social capacity, and vigor. Outcomes included the self-reported type of outdoor footwear and clinical characteristics by sex were collected in 2019-2020. A total of 78 Roma participants self-identified as members of this ethnic minority and 72 participants non-Roma were assessed (n=150). The lower score values was recorded in the footwear and general foot health domains in Roma population. General population obtained higher scores in general health domains. The most common outdoor footwear types were running shoes and walking shoes in non-Roma population, versus flip flops and slippers in Roma population. Clinical characteristics did not show any statistically significant differences (p<.05). Roma people wear flip flops and slippers and non-Roma people running shoes and walking shoes. These findings reveal cultural differences that make it easier for the Roma population to experience a greater burden of foot health problems. General foot health and foot pain dimensions show statistically significant differences among ethnicity.

Roma university students in Spain and Central and Eastern Europe: Exploring participation and identity in contrasting international contexts

AbstractRoma are Europe's largest, most marginalised minority, with a long history of racism and exclusion informing complex inequalities. Roma higher education participation remains under addressed, and paucity of research hinders understanding. While there is variation between countries, the proportion of Roma accessing higher education compared to the general population is extremely small in all countries. Spain has the largest Roma population outside Central and Eastern Europe, and relatively high levels of Roma participation in higher education. As part of an international project on Internalisation and Mobility, here we discuss insights from eleven qualitative interviews carried out with Roma students and recent graduates in Central and Eastern Europe and Spain. Findings from a thematic analysis of interviews highlight identity and inclusion and how experience intersects with distinct national approaches. We focus in particular on competing pulls of ethnic invisibility versus coming out, and related onus on a responsibility to give back. The participation of Roma in higher education remains an important social justice issue in Europe. Our research shows that proactive efforts by higher education institutions in Europe are needed to challenge persistent assumptions that fail to value the contribution and potential of Roma students within higher education.

Structural Racism and Racialization of Roma/Ciganos in Portugal: The Case of Secondary School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of this article is to contribute to the analysis of the structural racism and racialization that exists in Portugal against Roma people. Racialization takes place in various dimensions of life, but we will focus here on issues of schooling and education, which were accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic and revealed a lack of social deprotection and inequalities between Roma and non-Roma students. This analysis, focusing on the impact on young people attending secondary education, is based on a qualitative study carried out in the Metropolitan Areas of Lisbon and Porto using data from three focus groups and in-depth interviews with 33 secondary school students. Several public policies currently cover the Roma/Ciganos, but social inequality persists in terms of basic subsistence conditions and civic participation, as well as in the form of structural racism, with little Roma participation in political life and the invisibility of representation. The situation has worsened exponentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the combination of “classic” forms of racism and discrimination and the new forms of exclusion that have also appeared. We argue that the implicit acceptance of poverty and marginalization among Roma people needs to be viewed as a component of the racialization and antigypsyism to which they are subjected, and this dimension needs to be further investigated by scientific agendas.

Cancer diagnosis, treatment and care: A qualitative study of the experiences and health service use of Roma, Gypsies and Travellers.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing deaths from cancer, but people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups are more likely to encounter delays in entering the cancer care system. Roma, Gypsies and Travellers are ethnic minorities who experience extreme health inequalities. To explore the experiences of cancer diagnosis, treatment and care among people who self-identify as Roma or Gypsies and Travellers. A participatory qualitative approach was taken. Peer researchers conducted semi-structured interviews (n=37) and one focus group (n=4) with community members in Wales and England, UK. Cancer fatalism is declining, but Roma, Gypsies and Travellers experience barriers to cancer healthcare at service user, service provider and organisational levels. Communication was problematic for all groups, and Roma participants reported lack of access to interpreters within primary care. Clear communication and trusting relationships with health professionals are highly valued and most frequently found in tertiary care. This study suggests that Roma, Gypsies and Travellers are motivated to access health care for cancer diagnosis and treatment, but barriers experienced in primary care can prevent or delay access to diagnostic and treatment services. Organisational changes, plus increased cultural competence among health professionals, have the potential to reduce inequalities in early detection of cancer.

Participation in paid employment among the Finnish Roma

The article describes participation in paid work among Finnish Roma, based on data gathered by face-to-face interviews for the Finnish Roma Participation and Well-being Study (n = 234). We wanted to assess the relevance of some explanatory factors for the low paid work rate of the Roma, found in countries with a significant Roma minority, in the light of new material from Finland where the Roma minority is small and rather homogeneous. No earlier studies on their participation in paid work in Finland exist.The research shows the importance of education to finding paid employment, in compliance with earlier international results. Adherence to Roma culture, too, seems to cause problems to participation in paid employment. We were been able to assess discrimination at recruitment, obviously the key phase for successful or unsuccessful integration of the Roma in the Finnish labour market. Unlike in many countries, in Finland there was no significant difference in the paid employment rate of Roma men and women.

Knowledge and experience of cancer prevention and screening among Gypsies, Roma and Travellers: a participatory qualitative study

BackgroundThe incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide, which has led to greater public health focus on primary prevention. Ethnic minorities have lower awareness of cancer risk factors and services, and are at greater risk of cancer mortality. While Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have poor health outcomes even in comparison with other ethnic minorities, little is known about how they view and enact primary prevention. This study takes a participatory approach to explore knowledge and experience of cancer prevention and screening in these communities.MethodsPeer researchers conducted interviews (n = 37) and a focus group (n = 4) with a purposive sample of community members in Wales and South-West England. Participants self-identified as Roma (from Slovakia and Romania) or as Gypsies, Travellers or Showpeople (here described as Gypsy/Travellers). A third of the sample were Roma, and a quarter male, with ages ranging from 18 to 77 years. Data were collected from October 2018 to March 2019.ResultsWomen and men knew that lifestyle factors, such as healthy diet, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol and using sun protection, contribute to cancer risk reduction. However, there was a widespread lack of confidence in the effectiveness of these measures, particularly in relation to smoking. Traditional cultural beliefs were shared by Roma and Gypsy/Travellers, but did not necessarily affect the behaviour of individuals. Most women participated in cervical and breast screening but few Gypsy/Traveller men would engage with bowel screening, which conflicted with community ideals of stoical masculinity. Roma participants described language barriers to screening, with confusion about differences in timing and eligibility between the UK and Slovakian programmes; this led some to access screening abroad.ConclusionThis study provides new knowledge about how Gypsies, Roma and Travellers keep healthy and prevent disease, giving insights into similarities and differences between ages, sexes and communities. These culturally distinct and high-need ethnic minorities have specific needs in relation to cancer prevention and screening, which merit targeted and acceptable health promotion to reduce health inequalities.

Roma Ethnicity and Sex-Specific Associations of Serum Uric Acid with Cardiometabolic and Hepatorenal Health Factors in Eastern Slovakian Population: The HepaMeta Study.

Background: Health characteristics associated with uric acid (UA) in the Roma minority remain less well known. The study sought to determine the ethnicity- and sex-specific associations of serum UA with health factors in Eastern Slovakian Roma and non-Roma populations. Methods: Data from the comparative cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The study enrolled 452 Roma subjects (35.2% men) and 403 non-Roma individuals (45.9% men) aged 18–55 years. Results: All study parameters differed between the sexes in both the Roma and non-Roma participants (p < 0.05). UA was related to sex with odds ratio for female sex 0.873, 95% CI 0.853–0.893 (p < 0.0001) per 10-unit increase of UA. Average level of UA ± standard deviation was lower in Roma than in non-Roma (226.54 ± 79.8 vs. 259.11 ± 84.53 umol/L; p < 0.0001). The Roma population presented with greater levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (3.07 ± 4 mg/L vs. 1.98 ± 2.83 mg/L; p < 0.0001) and ferritin in Roma males (403.78 ± 391.84 vs. 302.67 ± 236.26 mg/L; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Serum UA is sex- and ethnicity specific. Elevated levels of hsCRP and ferritin particularly in Roma males can reflect low-grade systemic inflammation and thus serve as a marker of an increased cardiovascular risk.

Exploring patient preference regarding interpreter use in primary care.

Effective communication is considered an essential component of delivering health care. Trained, professional interpreters are the gold standard for overcoming language barriers with those with limited English proficiency (LEP). However, LEP patients often use unqualified interpreters such as family members and friends. Existing literature explores the rationale behind choosing different interpreters, but rarely from the patient perspective. To explore the patient perspective on the type of interpreter best suited for primary care consultations. Participants self-identified as having LEP were recruited from four GP practices in areas of Sheffield with high proportions of black and minority ethnic (BME) residents. The participants were from Urdu-, Arabic-, or Romani-speaking ethnic groups. Semi-structured interpreted interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically with independent verification of emergent themes. Interviews continued to data saturation. All participants expressed a preference for face-to-face interpreters. Urdu and Arabic participants highlighted the importance of using an interpreter with the same dialect; Roma participants were passionate about the need for qualified Roma interpreters. Most participants also identified trust and sex as important factors. However, interpreter preference varied between participants: some valued the continuity of family members, whereas others favoured the professionalism and linguistic accuracy associated with qualified interpreters. This study identified conflicts between patient preferences and guidance for healthcare professionals; all of the participants disliked telephone interpreting, and many recognised the benefits of untrained interpreters. The study highlights the complexities of interpreter preference in primary care and suggests that the decision should be flexible, and patient centred.

What is the Role of the Horizontal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Young Adult and Middle-Aged Roma Population Living in the Settlements in East Slovakia?

Background: The aim of our work is to objectify the manner of transmission of HBV infection in young adult and middle-aged Roma people who live in the settlements. Methods: We used data from the cross-sectional study HepaMeta. We analyzed Roma people living in the settlements in East Slovakia, who have had HBsAg and anti HBc IgG antibodies examined. Results: We analyzed a cohort of 452 Roma participants with a mean of age 34.67 ± 9.14 years—159 (35.2%) were males. HBsAg positivity was diagnosed in 12.4% and the presence of anti HBc IgG antibodies was confirmed in 52% of participants. Prevalence of HBsAg positivity increases significantly with higher age, (p = 0.026), as well as the presence of anti HBc IgG antibodies (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of HBsAg positivity has doubled and anti HBc IgG positivity has tripled within two decades (<25 years vs. 35–45 years) in Roma settlements in East Slovakia. Conclusions: These findings allow us to express an opinion that horizontal transmission in adulthood may play an important role in the spreading of HBV infection.