‘Dirty or Clean – Immoral or Moral’ – Differences in Perception between Two Different Cultures (Finnish Main Population and Roma Minority) – COVID-19 in Finland
‘Dirty or Clean – Immoral or Moral’ – Differences in Perception between Two Different Cultures (Finnish Main Population and Roma Minority) – COVID-19 in Finland

Summary/Abstract: COVID-19 shocked and shook the whole world. Hardly anyone could have predicted a similar pandemic. Romani communities in Europe face a much higher risk of death, as their situation, already marked by extreme racism and poverty, has been worsening in the last decade. Many Roma are not covered by social welfare, and the most vulnerable are informal workers and emigrants. Those in the informal economy are not eligible for aid, while current measures prevent them from earning an income (Asenov, 2022: 1129–1153). Thereby Gypsy, Roma, Travellers, Kaale etc. communities are at higher risk of being infected by COVID-19 and at greater risk of severe outcomes as a result of contracting pandemic. Problems in Roma health care are often caused by cultural perceptions, value and norm systems and beliefs (Alexiadou, 2018: 261–283). In Finland, the problems arising from the healthcare practices of the Romani population are often related to both linguistic and wider cultural differences in relation to the main population. In this paper, I will give a few examples of the inside perspective of the Roma in Finland based on my intensive fieldwork since 1994. I will reflect on the reasons and consequences of living in the middle of two cultures, both linguistically, culturally, and socially causing global health and healthcare to crumble. I ask, why and how COVID-19 gets a different linguistic and cultural significance among the Finnish Roma in relation to the majority population.

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