Demonized by the media and persecuted for hundreds of years, Roma communities are among the most persecuted groups in Europe. Romaphobia explores this complicated history and reveals that little has been done to identify-and thus attack-the root causes of discrimination against the Roma.
Aiden McGarry identifies the origins of this discrimination in the early history of the European nation state, and he argues that the Roma, unfairly characterized as landless nomads, have been excluded from national communities because they don't conform to the idea of "belonging" to a particular territory. By understanding Romaphobia as a prejudice rooted in European notions of territoriality, McGarry contends, we are better equipped to find a way towards the inclusion of Roma in society, an understanding that has ramifications beyond the Roma and can provide vital insights for similarly marginalized communities across the world.
Industry Reviews
A compelling depiction ... This is a fascinating and provocative framework from which to view the continuing, hateful prejudice directed at Roma. * Choice *
Enlightened, sensitively written and always positive, this book makes a valuable contribution. * The Morning Star *
McGarry provides a valuable service in directing our attention to the forces that produce this kind of discrimination. * Times Literary Supplement *
A timely analysis of how fear and loathing stultifies social progress. McGarry offers an excellent examination of the mechanisms of this enduring and despicable form of racism. * Annabel Tremlett, University of Portsmouth *
A beautifully written text that is both inspiring and daunting; it does not shade or minimise the numerous challenges that are facing Romani communities in Europe, but it also offers signs of agency, empowerment and hope. This book is destined to become a benchmark for a new generation of critical scholars. * Colin Clark, author of Here to Stay: the Gypsies and Travellers of Britain *
McGarry skillfully explains the complex phenomenon and history of Romaphobia in contemporary Europe. He offers a thoughtful and accessible inquiry into this persistent form of racism, and a powerful critique of how it continues to be tolerated in present-day Europe. * Huub van Baar, author of The European Roma *
Draws on original research to examine enduring racism against Roma communities in Europe. Essential reading for all concerned about racism and the rise of far right politics that we are witnessing across Europe today. * Imogen Tyler, author of Revolting Subjects: Social Abjection and Resistance in Neoliberal Britain *
McGarrys contributes to our understanding of the root causes of inequality between Roma and non-Roma. He shows that Roma exclusion is rooted in the nation-building process in Europe and the way national identities have been constructed in relation to territory. * Iulius Rostas, Central European University *
An eloquent account of one of the most troubling forms of racism still haunting the world: Romaphobia. This book examines the root causes, as well as the experiences of Roma communities in the UK and in continental Europe. * Katharine Quarmby, author of No Place to Call Home: Inside the Real Lives of Gypsies and Travellers *
The strength of McGarry's book lies in the exploration of a broader, transnational research agenda that seeks to awake Romani studies from its "splendid isolation", leaving one with the desire to learn more about the roots of Romaphobia. * Lilla Farkas, Migration Policy Group *
McGarry provides the first extensive scholarly exploration of Romaphobia and vividly outlines the magnitude of the challenge to overcome stereotypes deeply embedded in European culture. Romaphobia also addresses the relatively recent innovation of Roma people and organisations actively participating in public debates about themselves. * Martin Kovats, former Special Adviser on Roma issues to the European Commission *
