Roma In Hungary

1. Roma In Hungary Presentation By Shayla Dodge

3. Population • Hungarian population: 10,374,823 • Roma population between: 450,000 and 500,000 • 4 or 5% of population Roma • Birth rate higher then norm: 3 children

4. Language and Culture • Romungro: 66-75% • First group, linguistically assimilated, strong musical ability: violin, cello, and bass • Vlach: 20-30% • Traditional and still speak Romany (but 5 dialects) • Believe in: Virgin Brides, women ware long skirts, men have moustaches and black hats • Tradition vs. society: Watching the dead, marriage at 13 or 14 • Beash: 5-10% • Sinti (small)

5. Romani Court Systém: kris or svato • Vlach and composed of older men & family of perpetrator • Biased on fines without appeal • Respected or excommunication • Not spoken to • Spit on • Left out of group activities

6. Discrimination and Education • Discrimination: Magyar Tudomany (1997) • From 1994-1997 unemployment rose from 40 to 50% • People believed: • Roma live according to lax laws • “Gypsy problem” would get better if they worked. • It’s their fault they are poor

7. Education • Education: • 80,000 in elementary school • 500-600 in secondary schools • 200-300 University • But: They often don't finish primary school (or 75% but don't go to secondary school depending on what study) • Upswing: 50% now finish and are literate • Up to 50% in special schools, (but though they get an 8th grade diploma, they hardly ever continue their education) • Segregated Roma classes or schools: 132 of 800 primary schools have special classes

8. Special Classes • Usually more crowed • Poorer conditions • Excluded from extracurricular classes like: • Swimming • English Language

9. Reasons For Discriminationin Education. • Non-Roma parents would rather not have their children with Roma • Local government could enforce non-segregated schools but 70% don't • According to Peter Rado’s research • Teachers are not sensitive to cultural differences • Not prepared mentally, but also no curriculum materials, teaching materials, or training

10. Culture and Education • Cultural Practices of Roma influence school attendance and taking part in activities • Gym • Don’t force children to Study because they think it influences their communitarian attitude and adherence to culture, and • Vlach think children are adults when they are 12-13, so parents think they have no control to force their children to study

11. 1993 Minority Law • All minorities have to have Education in their mother language • But, No more then 5 high schools • No primary • Gandhi High School was the first designed for Roma- Pecs 1994 • Focus on Roma Culture and Language

12. Employment • Before 1980’s about same as national population but steadily declined • 60-85% and in some regions 90-100% • 4 or 5 times national unemployment rate • Studies show its not because they don't want to work • Changes in political environment and economy after 1989 made them the first to be laid off • Reasons: Lack of Education, professional qualities, but also discrimination • Discrimination limits options and “unemployment, impoverishment, disillusionment, 'survival crime,' and delinquency, which reinforces existing prejudices” (Human Rights Watch/Helsinki)

13. Modern Situation • Discrimination in Education, workforce, and they still have life expectancy lower then Hungarians in general. • Government is doing more, but not enough. • An example from health care shows that both Roma and Gaga are poised to fight. • Still often live separately from the majority of the society in exclusively Roma communities • Overall the majority of society is not sensitive to the cultural differences, and do not distinguish between the different Roma.

14. Conclusion • Hungary’s situation is unique: • Third largest Roma population in Europe • Police, health workers, local and national government apathy • Continued efforts • Supposed to teach in Minority Language • Prior to primary school education. • Efforts to assimilate