The Knowledge of the Identity of the Romani People as a Generator Element of the Socio-Cultural Integration Process
PhD Jesús M. Aparicio Gervás, Magister: Charles David Tilley Bilbao

Abstract
Since the arrival of the Romani people to Spain and after more than five hundred years of shared history, there is still a great lack of knowledge of this ethnic minority. The existence of many prejudices and stereotypes against this population requires a change in the perception and knowledge of their cultural traits by the majority of the population. Change must occur through respect and understanding of their main features. And for that, the majority of the population needs to know the pillars that constitute their cultural identity, among which we highlight the value acquired by the family, respect for elders, the strength of the solidarity within the group against the “personal self”, the importance of the everyday and prensent time, the implementation of its unknown "Romani law", the meaning of “the promise”, the religious beliefs. This knowledge is undoubtedly one of the mechanisms facilitating the process of sociocultural integration.

Full Text: PDF