Does the canonical theory of assimilation explain the Roma case? Some evidence from Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

This article focuses on the relation between mobility and assimilation among the Roma. Quantitative results from UNDP research in four Central and Eastern Europe countries provide new data and show the need for a new conceptualization of the evidence. These results demonstrate that there are no significant data to confirm the existence of a straight-line process of assimilation in the Roma case. Thus, they question the canonical theory of assimilation by demonstrating that middle-class Roma tend not to leave their identity behind. I propose the need for a segmented theory of the different upward mobility paths that Roma people tend to follow. In a complementary way, the observed results also point out the need to take into account some variations in Roma ethnic identity depending on the source of ethnic data, how they are collected and the implications for research in the different national contexts explored

Ethnic, Familial, and Religious Identity of Roma Adolescents in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Kosovo, and Romania in Relation to Their Level of Well‐Being

“…The scarce literature on identity of Roma reveals mixed findings. In many Central and Eastern European states, Roma tend to identify with the national mainstream culture (Prieto‐Flores, ), which could represent a consequence of extreme oppression of their Roma identity. This tendency has been observed among Roma in Western Europe and in other parts of the world (Marushiakova & Popov, ).…”

Romaphobia Among Serbian Adolescents: The Role of National In‐group Attitudes and Perceived Threat

“…For this reason some authors argue that the Roma identity is a subjective or ascribed identification with a group that has historically been labeled “Roma” (Csepeli & Simon, 2004). Cross‐cultural research shows that the label “Roma” pertains to Roma ethnicity (i.e., heritage), but also reflects status differences from the mainstream population (Kligman, 2001; Prieto‐Flores, 2009). Past research suggests that the stereotypical perception of Roma “otherness,” i.e., in terms of threat and mistrust, may be the key to anti‐Roma attitudes (Petrova, 2003).…”

Romaphobia among Serbian and Dutch adolescents: The role of perceived threat, nationalistic feelings, and integrative orientations

“…This is a well‐known precondition for favorable intergroup attitudes (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). However, one of the conditions for positive effects of contact is status equality, while status differences between the Roma and dominant group members are particularly transparent in South‐Eastern Europe, including Serbia (Prieto‐Flores, 2009), meaning that the possible positive effect of contact opportunities is offset by the lack of status equality.…”

“…Nevertheless, regardless of territorial diversity and some cultural differences, the Roma people are considered a unique group, sharing not only origins and language but also a similar—disadvantaged—status (exclusion, poverty, etc.) across Europe (Prieto‐Flores, 2009).…”