The Roma and Their Struggle for Identity in Contemporary Europe - (New Directions in Romani Studies) by Huub Van Baar & Angéla Kóczé (Paperback)

About the Book

Thirty years after the collapse of Communism, and at a time of radically diverse kinds of identity politics, including anti-migrant, anti-Roma, anti-Muslim and anti-establishment movements, this book analyses how Roma identity is expressed in contemporary Europe.

Book Synopsis

Thirty years after the collapse of Communism, and at a time of increasing anti-migrant and anti-Roma sentiment, this book analyses how Roma identity is expressed in contemporary Europe. From backgrounds ranging from political theory, postcolonial, cultural and gender studies to art history, feminist critique and anthropology, the contributors reflect on the extent to which a politics of identity regarding historically disadvantaged, racialized minorities such as the Roma can still be legitimately articulated.

Review Quotes

"This is a well-researched, dense academic book, representing the many strategies of and efforts made by Roma people, especially women and youth, to demand equality and justice as well access to the tools that will lead to economic freedom. This book is for agents of change and organizers as much as for students of political theory...... Highly recommended." - Choice

"[This volume], ... excellently arranged and theoretically reflected, offers a very detailed overview of the state of discussion on the manifold forms of structural discrimination against Roma/Roma in Central and Eastern Europe and the associated identity-political struggles... - [The volume conveys] insights that are of the highest socio-political importance in view of the regression of democratic institutions in Europe and the (re-)strengthening of European racism and which need to be translated more strongly into politics, the media and civil society." - Anthropos

"The different chapters of the book provide readers with valuable insights into diverse aspects of Roma life...The book clarifies how the last decades have brought not only an intensification of structural violence against Roma but also more vocal claims for recognition and empowerment which have been driven by diverse Roma movements, activist groups supported by the European Union and other international players and philanthropic organizations...Overall, the authors of the book suggest a promising new action research agenda based on the triad of recognition, redistribution and representation." - Ethnic and Racial Studies

"This volume is a thoughtful and compelling read addressing some of the most persistent issues facing Roma communities in Europe today... provides the reader with a detailed and nuanced portrait of contemporary Roma life in Europe." - Aidan McGarry, Loughborough University

"An important contribution to Romani Studies, which gives valuable context to new directions and strategies being adopted by Roma in the spheres of identity, social movement activism and cultural performance. Essential reading for campaigners, researchers and practitioners." - Andrew Ryder, Corvinus University Budapest

About the Author

Huub van Baar is Professor of Politics at Leuven International and European Studies (LINES), Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven in Belgium.