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The Roma (or Gypsy) minority have been considered a ‘problem’ since their arrival in Eastern Europe over 700 years ago. Communist regimes sought to ‘solve’ their ‘Gypsy problem’ using methods that varied in degrees of coerciveness. I have outlined Communist policies toward the Roma according to a three-line model of Communist systems. The results of Stalinist, Titoist, and Maoist policies towards the Roma are examined through comparison of the situations of the Roma in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. In the case of Romania, a fourth category, Ceausescuism, is added. Each type of Communist policy had a profound impact upon the economic and social well-being of the Roma. Many of the Communist ‘solutions’ contributed to the creation of a ‘Gypsy problem.’ Following the collapse of Communism, the situation of the Roma deteriorated due to economic difficulties, rising nationalism and ethnic hatred, low levels of Roma educational attainment, and a lack of political representation.
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The ‘Gypsy Problem’:
Roma in Communist and Post-Communist Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia
Beloit College 32nd Annual Student SymposiumPresentation and photos: Melany Williams Advisors: John Rapp & Andras Boros-Kazai
Who are the Roma?
Roots in India & Pakistan
Traditionally Nomadic People
Despised & Marginalized
The Roma in Eastern Europe
• Indian/Pakistani roots• Ethnic identity preserved for 700 years• Non-homogeneous group• Inter-Roma relations characterized by
conflict• Marginalized and despised within the
dominant culture
The Roma under Communism
• Communist policies aimed at assimilation or ‘integration’
• Goal of transforming the Roma into ‘useful’ members of society
• Deeply impacted by Communist policy
Three-Line Model of Communist Systems: Edward Friedman
• Stalinism: Coercion, state-controlled heavy industry
• Titoism: Remunerative incentives, and ‘abundance for the working class’
• Maoism: Normative, ideological, emphasis on equality
• Expanded: Ceausescuism: Hypernationalist Communism
Stalinist Policy: Romania & Slovakia
• Forced settlement• Collectivization and centralized resource allocation• Penalized unemployment and illegal employment• Scapegoating• Denial of ethnic minority status• Cultural Homogenization• Relocation• Pressured sterilization
Forced Settlement
Previously Sedentary
Sterilization of Roma Women
Effects of Stalinist Policy
• Nomadic way of life eradicated• Traditional professions lost• Negative public opinion towards the
Roma• Lost homes & hostile neighbors• Some lost ethnic identity
Effects of Stalinist PolicyPost-Communism
• Nationalism and ethnic hatred• Poor economic situation
Titoist Policy:Hungary
• Allowed some traditional professions• Tolerated semi-nomadic lifestyle• Granted ethnic minority status• Loosened national borders
Effects of Titoist Policy
• Greater mobility• Increased black market trade• Increased Roma solidarity• Roma intelligentsia
Effects of Titoist PolicyPost-Communism
• Activism• Professed tolerance• Political Representation• Educational attainment
Maoist Policy:Romania
• Sought to improve equality– Housing – Employment– Education – Medical care
• Fostered ideological support
Housing
Education
Photo by Andrew Haines
Effects of Maoist Policy
• Increased living standards• Ghettoization• Increased educational attainment• Guaranteed employment• Suppression of anti-Roma violence• Fostered ideological support
Effects of Maoist PolicyPost-Communism
• Lost jobs • Backlash of anti-Roma violence
Ceausescuist Policy:Romania
• Hypernationalism• Not allowed to form cultural
associations• “Hidden Gypsy musician”• Cultural homogenization
Effects of Ceausescuist Policy
• Cultural homogenization• Artificial and coerced assimilation
Effects of Ceausescuist PolicyPost-Communism
• Ethnic violence• Ill prepared for political representation
– Lack resources– Poor leadership– Lack of unity
The Roma Today
• Heavily dependent on limited welfare resources
• What are the effects of European Union membership on the Roma situation?
Questions?
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