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

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Body schemas
• Fanon
• gypsy
• leisure
• racism

Acknowledgments

Thank you very much to the reviewers who enhanced this paper with their remarks and suggestions. I would also like to express my gratitude to Reinhard Haudenhuyse for his feedback.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Lord of the worlds.