Ethnic Minorities Comparative Study in Slovakia

Bachelor Thesis , 2001 , 35 Pages , Grade: Bachelor Thesis

Sociology - Politics, Majorities, Minorities

Abstract
This paper examines the different approaches taken by the governments of Slovakia(former Czechoslovakia), and the United States of America in addressing the issues of minority rights of Afro-Americans in the USA compared to the Romanies in Slovakia. It explains and compares the historical events and political measures implemented by the governments in both countries that helped to form the attitudes of the majority citizens towards the integration of an ethnic minority group. The paper shows that although, both discriminatory in their efforts to tackle the minority rights, Slovakia and the USA applied much varying discriminatory measures which, as a consequence, led to contrary outcomes in terms of the economic and social statuses of both ethnic minorities.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Chapter I. Culture
  • 1.1. Definition of culture
  • 1.2. Minority rights - definition of human rights
  • 1.3. Romany history in the Slovak territory
  • 1.4. From the history of Afro-Americans and slavery in the United States
    • 1.4.1. Reconstruction period
• Chapter II. Implementation of the policies towards minorities
  • 2.1. Romanies in the post-war Czechoslovakia
  • 2.2. The life and assimilation measures taken on the Romanies in the post-war Czechoslovakia
  • 2.3. Segregation
  • 2.4. Origins of the Civil Rights movement
  • 2.5. Desegregation
• Chapter III. Consequences
  • 3.1. 1989 A shift to reality
  • 3.2. From the Civil Rights movement to the present
  • 3.3. Attitudes of majority towards the Romanies in Slovakia and the survey outcomes

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to demonstrate the irrelevance of comparing the experiences of Roma and Afro-Americans, particularly in Slovakia. It achieves this by examining the historical and contemporary situations of both groups, highlighting the challenges they face in coexisting with majority societies, analyzing the policies implemented by majority groups to address these challenges, and exploring the effects these policies have had on the social status and lives of Roma and Afro-Americans. Lastly, the thesis provides insight into contemporary Slovak views on Roma society through a survey conducted to gather unbiased data on race relations between Slovaks and Roma.

• The historical and contemporary realities of Roma and Afro-Americans.
• The challenges faced by both groups in coexisting with majority societies.
• Policies implemented by majority groups to address minority issues.
• The impact of these policies on the social status and lives of Roma and Afro-Americans.
• Contemporary Slovak perceptions of Roma society.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This section introduces the concept of cultural diversity and the challenges faced by minority groups, emphasizing the need to understand and address issues of discrimination and intolerance. The focus is on comparing the experiences of Roma in Slovakia and Afro-Americans in the United States as examples of these broader challenges.
• Chapter I. Culture: This chapter explores the complexities of defining culture, highlighting the potential for misunderstanding and prejudice when comparing cultures. It examines the historical context of both Roma and Afro-Americans, focusing on their unique experiences of oppression and marginalization.
• Chapter II. Implementation of the policies towards minorities: This chapter delves into the implementation of policies designed to address minority issues in both Slovakia and the United States. It examines the various strategies employed, including assimilation, segregation, and desegregation, analyzing their effectiveness and unintended consequences.
• Chapter III. Consequences: This chapter examines the lasting effects of historical and contemporary policies on the lives of Roma and Afro-Americans. It explores the challenges these groups continue to face, such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to opportunities. It also examines the role of public opinion and attitudes in shaping the social realities of these groups.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on themes of ethnic minorities, cultural diversity, discrimination, assimilation, segregation, and desegregation. It examines the experiences of Roma in Slovakia and Afro-Americans in the United States as case studies of minority group challenges. It uses historical and contemporary perspectives to analyze the impact of social and political policies on these groups, emphasizing the need for understanding, tolerance, and social justice.

• Course: American History - Ethnic minorities
• Grade: Bachelor Thesis
• Author: Ladislava Ivančová (Author)
• Publication Year: 2001
• Pages: 35
• Catalog Number: V214407
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656427254
• ISBN (Book): 9783656434207
• Language: English
• Tags: ethnic, minorities, comparative, study, slovakia