School books or wedding dresses? Examining the cultural dissonance experienced by young Gypsy/Traveller women in secondary education

ABSTRACT

Although considerable attention has been given to issues impacting on the educational experiences of Gypsy/Traveller learners in the UK, most of the literature is oriented towards ethnicity rather than gender. This paper illuminates the experiences of young Gypsy/Traveller women who are engaging with secondary education, and functioning in a dual cultural framework, in a time of increased gender equality. The intersectionality of culture, class and religion frequently conflicts with the notions of gender equality and education, requiring young women to make difficult choices. It is suggested there is an urgent need to problematise and deconstruct stereotypes typically held about Gypsy/Traveller girls, as not all young women feel disengaged, restricted, excluded and in conflict. While some young women, as is their right, wish to conform to cultural-gendered norms, this study has revealed some strong, resilient women who critically challenge values and norms within their community, which negate their right to a full education, to bring about positive change.

KEYWORDS:

• Culture
• cultural dissonance
• girls
• Gypsy/Traveller
• secondary education

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the TES Manager for allowing me to use some of the transcripts she collated as part of a Master’s Degree in Education. Your generosity has helped to contribute to an under-researched area in the field of gender studies.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Paula Hamilton, For the past 20 years, has worked within the post-16 education sector lecturing on programmes relating to education and childhood studies. Her Ph.D, completed in 2011, focused on how Eastern European children settled into primary schools in North Wales. Her research interests lie in the field of inclusive education, gender equality, cultural diversity and the well-being of children and young people.