Greenfields, Margaret and Smith, David (2011) A question of identity: the social exclusion of housed Gypsies and Travellers. Research Policy and Planning, 28 (3). pp. 147-160. ISSN 0264-519X

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Abstract

This article draws upon a series of survey-based and qualitative studies in the UK to examine the experiences of Gypsies and Travellers resident in ‘bricks and mortar’ accommodation. Many reported experiences of racial discrimination and being ‘othered’ by the surrounding population and by providers of public services. Despite sharing spatial proximity in often deprived locales of social housing, social relations with neighbours commonly displayed a notable degree of social distance. However, recourse to social networks which, in the absence of appropriate formal support mechanisms, provide important informal sources of support and a means of maintaining cultural identities helps to offset some of the difficulties associated with housing. Respondents frequently dwelt on the strength of their identity as a Gypsy/Traveller as a source of strength in a hostile environment and as a way of maintaining a boundary in relation to mainstream (sedentary) society, albeit often at the expense of developing close inter-ethnic/community relationships. Policy implications include the need for local authorities and other agencies to engage meaningfully with Gypsies and Travellers in housing, many of whom perceive themselves as ‘officially’ de-racialised once not living in caravans, and to recognise the particular difficulties experienced by many Gypsies and Travellers in housing.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	[1] Published: 2011. [2] Published as: Research Policy and Planning, (2011), Vol. 28, (3), pp. 147-160.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gypsies, Travellers, housing, resilience, communities
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Pre-2014 Departments:	School of Health & Social Care School of Health & Social Care > Department of Social Work & Health Development
Related URLs:	Publisher Organisation
Last Modified:	14 Oct 2016 09:22
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/8806

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