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.
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
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The thesis aims to analyze and compare the historical and social development of two minority groups: the Romanies in Slovakia and the Afro-Americans in the United States. It investigates the policies implemented by majority societies towards these minorities, evaluating their effectiveness in integration and social status improvement, while ultimately challenging the common assumption that these two groups share identical social trajectories.
- Historical comparison of Romany and Afro-American development.
- Analysis of government policies and assimilation strategies.
- Examination of the socioeconomic impact of post-WWII and post-communist societal shifts.
- Evaluation of contemporary societal attitudes through empirical survey data.
- Critique of the "melting pot" and "social integration" models in diverse political systems.
Excerpt from the Book
1.3. Romany history in the Slovak territory
The history of the Romany people is a howling, poignant and sad story, which can not be read by any European without feeling the guilt and pity for his ancestors.
In the 12th and 13th century started the Romanies-Gypsies entering Central Europe, alongside the Danube. First mention about their residence dates back to 1322 in Spišská Nová Ves. A larger group of Romanies passed through Slovakia in 15th century. It wandered from Budín to Košice and through Southern Slovakia to Bratislava and further to Moravia and Czech. At first, native inhabitants accepted the Romanies, hospitably and positive towards them were also authorities. Since 15th century the relationship towards nomadic Romanies is changing. The Church refused to treat them as Christian penitents as they often claimed themselves to be. Hospitability was gradually displaced for distrust, later open antagonism in connection with merciless persecution.1
Romanies originally came from India. Most probably the lack of livelihood was the reason for migration that lasted for many centuries. Leading a nomadic life helped them to express their craftmanshift, especially blacksmithing but also the ability to entertain people through their music, dance and various exploits. During the time of distress they helped each other, often by begging.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter I. Culture: This chapter defines the core concepts of culture and minority rights, providing a historical overview of both the Romany people in Slovakia and the Afro-American experience in the United States.
Chapter II. Implementation of the policies towards minorities: This section analyzes how post-war communist policies in Czechoslovakia and systemic segregation in the US shaped the lives and integration of the respective minority groups.
Chapter III. Consequences: This final chapter examines the aftermath of 1989 for the Romany population and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the US, while presenting survey results on the attitudes of the Slovak majority towards the Roma.
Keywords
Ethnic minorities, Romanies, Afro-Americans, Slovakia, United States, assimilation, segregation, civil rights movement, social policy, post-communism, historical development, societal attitudes, prejudice, race relations, integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on a comparative analysis of the history, social status, and treatment of Romanies in Slovakia and Afro-Americans in the United States.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include minority rights, assimilation policies, the historical development of ethnic groups, and the social dynamics between majority and minority populations.
What is the ultimate goal of this research?
The primary goal is to demonstrate that comparing the Romany population to Afro-Americans is historically and sociologically irrelevant, given their divergent developmental paths and political contexts.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The author uses a comparative historical analysis and integrates primary quantitative data from a survey conducted in 2001 in Eastern Slovakia.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers definitions of culture, the historical migration of both groups, state policies of assimilation and segregation, and the socio-political consequences of these measures in the 20th century.
Which keywords define this research?
Key terms include ethnic minorities, assimilation, segregation, post-war policy, and race relations.
How did communist policies affect the Roma in Slovakia?
Communist policies largely ignored their ethnicity, attempting forced assimilation and dispersal through social-protective programs that ultimately failed to ensure true integration.
What was the outcome of the 2001 survey regarding Slovak attitudes?
The survey indicated an alarmingly high degree of prejudice, with a vast majority of respondents expressing an unwillingness to accept Romanies as neighbors or social equals.
- Quote paper
- Ladislava Ivančová (Author), 2001, Ethnic Minorities Comparative Study in Slovakia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/214407
