‘What’s the plan?’ ‘What plan?’ Changing aspirations among Gypsy youngsters, and implications for future cultural identities and group membership

Abstract

Considering data from a research project with two Gypsy communities (2010–2012) in South West England, this article explores issues of education and identity. The two communities have contrasting experiences within the education system. Informed by inter-disciplinary perspectives on identity and assimilation theories, the article explores these experiences within the wider context of the researcher’s work with Romani communities over the past two decades, exploring the impact of schooling on cultural identity and group membership. Questions are raised about theories concerning hybrid and multiple identities. Finally, the author emphasizes the need to acknowledge the heterogeneity of minority groups in formulating policy.

Keywords:

• Roma
• Gypsies
• cultural identity
• marginal/minority groups
• education
• inclusion
• integration

Acknowledgements

With appreciation for the support and flexibility of the British Academy, and teachers and parents who facilitated the involvement of the youngsters in this project. Many thanks to Gwen Gilmore and her research team, in particular Jacqui Fullman and Jane Watson, without whose dedication and sensitive work this project could not have been completed. Thanks, especially, to the youngsters who participated in this project. In several cases, they are the ‘pioneers’ in their families, remaining within the education system to a far later stage than has been the norm among their families and communities. And finally, in memory of Ginny Harrison-White, who played a central role in the initiation and design of this research project, and who fought with courage and integrity for the rights of Gypsy/Roma and other marginalized communities in the South-West of England.

Notes

1. The use of the term ‘Gypsy’ remains contested. For some, it is avoided on the grounds that it has pejorative connotations. In official documents in the United Kingdom, the term ‘Traveller’ has often been used; and more recently the acronym GRT (Gypsy/Roma/Traveller). In general, participants have disliked the term ‘Traveller’ on the grounds that it overlooks ethnicity, restricting identity to a lifestyle that is often no longer pursued, and linking them to other groups with no actual connection (e.g. New Travellers). The term GRT has little meaning to most Gypsies in the United Kingdom. While ‘Gypsy’ remains preferable to most of my participants, I prefer to adhere to that term.

2. Names of participants have been changed or avoided entirely, unless participants requested otherwise.