基本説明
New in paperback. Hardcover was published in 2006. Examines the recent attempts of the Roma (Gypsies) in Central Europe and their supporters to form a political movement and to influence domestic and international politics.
Full Description
The collapse of communism and the process of state building that ensued in the 1990s have highlighted the existence of significant minorities in many European states, particularly in Central Europe. In this context, the growing plight of Europe's biggest minority, the Roma (Gypsies), has been particularly salient. Traditionally dispersed, possessing few resources and devoid of a common "kin state" to protect their interests, the Roma have often suffered from widespread exclusion and institutionalized discrimination. Politically underrepresented and lacking popular support amongst the wider populations of their host countries, the Roma have consequently become one of Europe's greatest "losers" in the transition towards democracy.
Against this background, the author examines the recent attempts of the Roma in Central Europe and their supporters to form a political movement and to influence domestic and international politics. On the basis of first-hand observation and interviews with activists and politicians in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, he analyzes connections between the evolving state policies towards the Roma and the recent history of Romani mobilization. In order to reach a better understanding of the movement's dynamics at work, the author explores a number of theories commonly applied to the study of social movements and collective action.
Contents
Acknowledgements
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Chapter 1. Identities, Interests, and Ethnic Mobilization
Romani Identity and Interests: An Overview
Theories of Ethnic Mobilization
Chapter 2. The Development of Minority Policies in Central Europe
Legacies: Communist Policies and Institutions
The Domestic Political Context of Romani Mobilization: Institutions and Policies
Allies and Opponents
Chapter 3. Ethnic Politics from Below
Romani Identity and Electoral Politics
Nonelectoral Romani Mobilization in Hungary: Actors and Issues
Nonelectoral Romani Mobilization in the Czech and Slovak Republics: Actors and Issues
Chapter 4. The Power of Framing
Problem Definition in the Accounts of the Activists
Subject Definition within the Romani Movement
Policy Perspectives: Top-Down Problem and Subject Definitions
Assessing the Effectiveness of Romani Movement Frames
Chapter 5. International Responses
International Governmental Organizations: Institutional and Political Responses
Third Parties: The Role of Transnational Advocacy Networks
Chapter 6. The Romani Movement in Theoretical Perspective
Culture, Inequality, and Ethnic Mobilization
Solving the Puzzle?
Strengths and Problems of the Competition and Political Process Approach
Notes
References
Index
