‘What about us?’ Gypsies, Travellers and ‘White racism’ in secondary schools in England: is the situation similar in Northern Ireland?

Bhopal, Kalwant (2012) ‘What about us?’ Gypsies, Travellers and ‘White racism’ in secondary schools in England: is the situation similar in Northern Ireland? Research Seminar: School of Education, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom. 03 Feb 2012.

Abstract

This seminar will examine the concept of ‘White racism’ in relation to the experiences of Gypsy and Traveller groups in England and lead on to a participative discussion about the situation for Gypsies and Travellers in schooling in Northern Ireland. The presentation is based on ethnographic research conducted in two secondary schools during the years 2006-2009. Interviews were carried out with pupils attending the secondary schools, their mothers and members of the Traveller Education Service. The research reveals that racism experienced by White Gypsy and Traveller groups is understood differently to that experienced by non-White minority ethnic groups. This is further related to how Gypsy and Traveller groups are perceived inside and outside schools, as ‘others’ and ‘outsiders’. Furthermore, the discourses around racism and how they are understood work to disadvantage Gypsy and Traveller groups in schools.

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