The Invisible Feminist Action of Roma Families

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the role of Roma families in shaping the paths of academic success of Roma women (hereinafter, the Romí). Our findings challenge biased views of Roma culture as a reproducer of gender inequality, which is assumed to be higher among the Roma than in other cultures. Recent advancements in the field of cultural and feminist studies show the role of Romí as agents of change in gender relations, which contributes to overcoming a stereotype that tends to hierarchically classify cultures as less or more unequal with regard to gender relations. This research includes Romí voices and concludes that family support in academic careers is a way of transforming gender relations within the Roma community. This study is based on the dialogical feminism and contributes to the acquisition of cultural competences about Romí among social workers, which may have a positive impact in the social work practice and the overcoming of stereotypes about this community.