Understanding the social exclusion of Roma

Roma are recognised as one of the European Union’s (EU’s) largest minority ethnic groups, with estimates that there are more than 10 million Roma residing across the EU (Council of Europe, CoE, 2011; European Commission, EC, 2012). Despite a commitment at a European level to address the continuing disadvantage of Roma, and the development of a number of policy initiatives, entrenched disadvantage, discrimination, prejudice and exclusion remain defining features in the lives of many Roma (Amnesty International, 2011; CoE, 2011b; EC, 2011). Indeed, it is widely acknowledged that Roma are one of the most socially excluded communities across contemporary Europe (Amnesty International, 2011; Bartlett, Benini, and Gordon, 2011; CoE, 2011b; EC, 2011; ERIO, 2010). The chapter begins by defining and clarifying our use of the term Roma and the concept of social exclusion. We then outline some of the key characteristics of the exclusion of Roma, with reference to the specific policy areas of housing, health, education and employment. We provide a discussion of the European and UK policy context, before exploring what is currently known about Roma communities who have migrated to the UK. The discussion includes a case study of a mediation project aimed at increasing interactions between Roma and non Roma communities. Finally, the chapter concludes by highlighting the issues that need considering in order to continue to address the exclusion of Roma