Identity Changes of Roma Ethnic Population. The Case of Romanian Citizens belonging to Roma Minority
Identity Changes of Roma Ethnic Population. The Case of Romanian Citizens belonging to Roma Minority

Summary/Abstract: According to data obtained from Romania census we can observe a tendency of a continuous increase in the evolution of the ethnic structure of Roma ethnic population, but a comparison with the results of complementary studies raises question signs regarding a change of an identity nature. For this reason, the paper analyses identity elements specific to Roma communities in Romania, presented in specialty litterature (linguistic, social, economic, educational and judicial elements) and resulted from an investigation based on questionnaired and on an interview focused on groups. The results show the fact that the belonging to a tribe is a main characteristic of Roma population. The ability to speak Romani is low; in Romania there are cases of entire communities of a Roma people which lost their language. Nowadays we can observe a trial to revive the Romani language through inter-cultural programs and the promotion of books and dictionaries. The economic profile of persons of a Roma ethnicity is discouraging, characterized by small incomes, of social assistance or by the performance of poorly paid activities which cannot guarantee a secure income. In the affirmation of a Roma ethnic identity cultural traditions are the ones that come first. The construction process of an identity is now centered on a cultural affirmation, on the mobilization of resources from the community, by encouraging and forming intellectual and political elite. A reconsideration of the Roma ethnics in the structure of the contemporary Romanian society must necessarily begin as a redefining of an identity realized by these ethnics.

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