Conclusion: The Power of Inequality

Abstract

For the first time the gendered voices of Gypsy and Traveller girls about their racialised, classed, and generational experiences of discrimination have been in focus, which no studies have attempted to comprehensively address. The book celebrates the use of participants’ voices that are traditionally marginalised. In its critical framing of the girls’ interviews as primary sources, the book offers space for their voices to be heard, and in so doing underscores their potential for agency in the private spaces of home and the public spaces of formal education. This chapter summarises the key findings and highlights areas for future research. Consciously or dysconciously classed as a dangerous race, the devaluation of their image, traditions and way of life needs to be challenged, disrupted and actively discouraged. The author contends that as misperceptions continue to go unchallenged, well-intentioned practices can alienate and cause harm. The power of inequality to disrupt and destroy lives cannot be underestimated. The girls from Article 12 propose three recommendations that in their view would help Gypsy and Traveller pupils in Scotland. Article 12 is a non-governmental charity that aims to respect and facilitate young people’s right to be heard and to participate freely as equal citizens to help affect positive change in society. The chapter concludes with the girls’ views on what might be of systemic use to delivering a more equitable and expansive educational experience. Their voices ‘decolonise’ the stereotyped image and discourses of Gypsy and Traveller girls and women. Marcus concludes that despite our individual differences and circumstances as women, and because of them, much work remains to be done to collectively connect, to give space and pride to our lived experience against searing effects of racialised and gendered patriarchy.