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The Outsiders Within: Stereotypes, Definitions and Boundaries

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Gypsy and Traveller Girls

Part of the book series: Studies in Childhood and Youth ((SCY))

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Abstract

Marcus offers a much-needed space for the voices of Scottish Gypsy and Traveller girls about their educational experiences to be heard. There is currently no research that explores how girls and young women from Gypsy and Traveller communities fare in schools and what they think of their experiences. The girls’ stories are highlighted and juxtaposed alongside the general problems encountered by Gypsies and Travellers and reveal a complex narrative that spans centuries. The chapter introduces the reader to the subject and establishes its importance. It presents the background to the study, which led to the research aims and explains the main questions that are explored. This chapter explains the limitations and boundaries of her work. Marcus shares profiles of the main participants, defines key terms—race, racism, ethnicity, minority ethnic, educational experience—as used throughout, and reveals key findings—racism, gender discrimination, the erasure and misrecognition of alternative experiences. The chapter also draws attention to the ongoing gaps, subtle tensions and complexities both within the communities and in the efforts of outsiders who seek to understand, support and civilise these ancient and marginalised peoples.

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  1. University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    Geetha Marcus

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Marcus, G. (2019). The Outsiders Within: Stereotypes, Definitions and Boundaries. In: Gypsy and Traveller Girls . Studies in Childhood and Youth. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03703-1_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03703-1_1

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