Abstract:
This dissertation discusses the tension between Roma and non-Roma communities within
the EU. The recent news story about potential child abduction by Gypsies in Greece
sparked immense interest about the Roma by the international community. The
circumstances around the alleged child kidnapping revealed negative stereotypes and
prejudices about the Roma community. This study was designed to provide insight into
the historical origins of these negative stereotypes and prejudices. Understanding the
historical development and significance of these negative stereotypes and prejudices
provides clarification to the relationship between Roma and non-Roma communities.
Furthermore, this study used these negative social images to understand the current
social, economic, and political situations that are impacting the Roma community. The
research question is how is the Roma identity socially constructed within the EU. The
methods consisted of textual analysis and analyzed the history of antigypsyism, EU
perspective in regards to the Roma, and news and social media about the Roma
community.
