In, Out, and In-Between: The Educational Experiences of the Roma Indigenous Minority in Cyprus

• In Event: The Dynamics of Racial and Ethnic Inequalities in Schools and Neighborhoods

Abstract

This paper reports on a study which investigated indigenous Roma children’s concepts of inclusion through schooling and the way the Greek-Cypriot educational system is organised to address their inclusion. Data include individual and focus group semi-structured interviews with Roma children at a public primary school, and observational data of teacher and children interactions in the field. Findings indicate the marginalization of Roma children across different dimensions that were linked to their dual multilayered position as both insiders and outsiders to the dominant Greek-Cypriot majority, and point to the urgency of addressing prejudices and hostilities towards the Roma, speaking also to larger issues of minority indigenous education particularly within the context of conflict societies such as Cyprus.

Authors

• Loizos Symeou, European University Cyprus

• Eleni Theodorou, European University