Ethno-cultural identity: Roma from Transylvania and Oltenia and the pride of belonging to the community
Ethno-cultural identity: Roma from Transylvania and Oltenia and the pride of belonging to the community

Summary/Abstract: In this article we tried to illustrate some relevant aspects regarding the ethno-cultural identity of Roma in Romania. First of all we have highlighted different theoretical approaches of the concept of identity and identity strategies. Secondly, we tried to present data collected in the empirical field, using the semi-standardised interview. In this regard, we have analysed data for two indicators we had considered to be relevant for Roma identity: the reasons to be proud of their community and the things they like about the community they live in. We started from the premise that, when individuals identify strongly with the community they belong to, they experience a sense of pride and are easily able to point out reasons for their pride resulting from the idea of belonging. We also wondered whether local pride differs from one region to another, i.e. whether the Roma in Transylvania and the Roma in Oltenia experience the feeling of belonging to the community differently, i.e. the feeling of pride. We also wondered if the motivations are different. But, the empirical data showed us there were differences between Roma in Transylvania and Oltenia, but not many. Most of the Roma have a high sense of belonging, they are proud of their community and their motivations are varied.

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