ПОЛОЖАЈ И ИНТЕГРАЦИЈА РОМСКЕ НАЦИОНАЛНЕ МАЊИНЕ У МУЛТИКУЛТУРАЛНОЈ СРБИЈИ
POSITION AND INTEGRATION OF THE ROMA NATIONAL MINORITY IN MULTICULTURAL SERBIA

Author(s): Nada Raduški
Subject(s): Politics, Sociology, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: Roma national minority; multiculturalism; demographic characteristics; position; integration; legislation; Serbia
Summary/Abstract: In the analysis of multiculturalism and ethnic heterogeneity of Serbia, as well as the status and rights of national minorities, the Roma community has a special place because all parameters indicate that Roma are in the most unfavorable economic, social, cultural and political situation. Roma ethnic minority is relevant only in number, but marginal in all spheres of life, they are at the bottom of the social scale and are not involved in the socio- economic processes. Roma are specific regarding the basic structural and demographic characteristics (young age structure, high illiteracy rate, unfavorable economic structure, etc.). However, in addition to demographic indicators, a large ethnic distance because of their lifestyle, as well as open or hidden discrimination have always been an obstacle to their integration and equal relations with others. Although a lot has been done in the field of legislation and despite numerous laws and strategies adopted to improve the situation of the Roma national minority, there is still a large gap between the proclaimed and realized. Roma in all segments of social life are marginalized and the main areas in which it manifests are education, employment, housing and healthcare. It is important to point out that the full integration of Roma and other minorities into society, is essential because it contributes to strengthening the legitimacy, stability, democratic processes and institutions of the state. However, successful integration of national minorities into society does not mean assimilation, but means the preservation of their own national, religious and cultural identity.

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