Municipal mediators as a cooperation network for the social integration of Roma community: a qualitative study

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to understand in what way municipal mediators can function as a cooperation network, promoting better social and economic inclusion of Roma community.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfil this objective, a qualitative approach was adopted, holding semi-structured interviews with various partners involved in an inter-organisational cooperation network: the DiverCity project. This project aims to combat the discrimination of Roma community living in the local authority.FindingsThe empirical evidence obtained shows that the most important factors for the successful social and economic inclusion of Roma community are networking and the trust created between the parties involved. Communication, flexibility and common goals are other essential relational factors for the social and economic inclusion of the Roma community in this cooperation network.Practical implicationsThis study shows how trust and networking are fundamental for the social and economic inclusion of Roma community. When minorities and the majority community are in harmony and consider factors such as trust and communication, social inclusion is found to be the case. From networking and the trust established between partners, this study shows how municipal mediators can facilitate inclusion of Roma community.Originality/valueAs there is little research on the role of municipal mediators in social inclusion, this study is particularly important and innovative by proposing a model for project development aiming for the inclusion of minority groups such as Roma community.