Review article
Sociocultural Characteristics and the Position of Gypsies in Europe – From Expulsion to Integration
Koraljka POSAVEC
Abstract
In an attempt to show the essential sociocultural determinants
of Gypsies in Europe it has become apparent that their
sociocultural model (trans)formed in migrations does not
correspond fully with the western cultural determinants.
Therefore, the issue of their identity is still problematical within
the range from undefined racial, vague tribal to (evidently)
transnational ethnic. The issue of reception of Gypsies is a
historical continuation of, on the one hand, all the more
prominent animosity of the receiving environment, through an
array of repressive measures of customary law and legislation.
On the other hand, the resourcefulness and adaptability of
Gypsies resulted in the creation of a transnational community,
which has, in spite of extremely difficult socioeconomic
circumstances and (self)isolation, as well as stratification into a
broad network of specific groups in different environments,
despite the (according to judgment and standards of the
surroundings) lack of education, low qualification structure and
uncompetitiveness, managed to preserve and demonstrate
extraordinary vitality. The future position of Gypsies in a
globalized Europe demands a holistic approach towards the
dynamics of Gypsy culture, together with recognition and
affirmation of the traditional Gypsy mobility and flexibility.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
20266
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2000.
Visits: 3.783 *