O romską historię polskich metropolii: Szkice etnograficzne z Warszawy

Abstract

The article deals with two interrelated topics, these are: the (under)representation of Roma in research on the history and contemporaneity of Polish cities and the positionality of the ‘external’ Researcher among the Roma communities. Its general thesis also stands as a case for a Roma history of Warsaw. The latter is perceived not only as history and contemporaneity of the Roma in the capital city, but also as a look at the history of Warsaw and at the recently observed social processes through the prism of Roma history and contemporaneity. The article is based on field research among Roma communities in Warsaw (Ursus and Praga Południe districts). It addresses the following topics: post-war settlement in the capital city of Poland, work in industry with the use of traditional craft skills (boilermaking) and outmigration. The whole work is of an ‘exploratory’ nature: it identifies research issues and sets out a trajectory for further research.