Research
Rooted in European history, antigypsyism still has a significant influence on the perception of Europe's largest and most marginalised minority groups, the Sinti and Roma. This not only underlines the need for an intensified academic debate, but also points to the high socio-political relevance of the research conducted at the Research Centre on Antigypsyism (RCA).
Researchers at the RCA examine the diverse manifestations of antigypsyism – understood as a specific form of racism against Sinti, Roma and other groups or individuals stigmatised as ‘gypsies’. The research focuses in particular on the mechanisms of antigypsyist prejudice and its various functions in European societies from the early modern period to the present day.
Research understanding and programme
The RCA sees itself as a scientific platform that represents a broad understanding of antigypsyism research and brings together diverse perspectives on the historically evolved phenomenon of antigypsyism as well as different methodological approaches. It aims to provide impetus for further (basic) research and places a strong emphasis on social transfer. The RCA achieves the breadth and interdisciplinarity of this research programme through the additional acquisition of third-party funded projects.
The research takes place in a very favourable academic environment, as it can draw internally on the rich holdings of the library and collection, as well as on the holdings of the Documentation and Cultural Centre of German Sinti and Roma, which are within walking distance. It should be emphasised that the projects carried out within the framework of the subject areas do not serve any political interests and are completely independent in their research.
Links
What is antigypsyism research?
Here you will find a brief introduction to the still young, interdisciplinary field of antigypsyism research, which has become increasingly established and dynamically developed since the turn of the millennium. An annotated list of links recommends further materials and information platforms.
