Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers in Higher Education

Drawing on new research, practice, and, crucially, lived experience of community members, this innovative edited collection explores the higher education experiences of Traveller, Gypsy, and Roma students in the UK.

With carefully collated chapters written by a wide range of academics, researchers and teaching staff, non-government organisations (NGOs), university professional services staff, graduates and students, including those from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and Showmen communities, this book is a vital resource. It is a call for discussion and critical reflection on how Traveller, Gypsy, and Roma students access university and have a successful and positive experience whilst studying. Divided into two parts, the first part focuses on critically exploring understandings of Romani history and the Romani-Traveller community, whiteness, racialisation and racism, and primary and secondary education. The second part focuses on higher education in more depth including personal reflections on higher education experiences. It explores topics such as the neoliberal university and aspirations; Roma in higher education in Europe; decolonising the curriculum; widening access, participation and engagement; career guidance and distance learning.

This important resource will be of interest to researchers and academics in higher education and for those who are interested in social justice, anti-racism and equality more generally. Moreover, this book will generate discussion and reflection on how Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller students can best be supported to access higher education and to have successful and positive experiences whilst at university.

Julia Morgan is a SFHEA and Associate Professor in Public Health and Wellbeing at the University of Greenwich, UK. She is Deputy Director of the UBEL ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership and EDI lead.

Hazel Marsh is Professor of Cultural Politics at the University of East Anglia, UK. Her research is interdisciplinary, and focuses on issues concerning social justice, the politics of representation, community action, education, health and environmental inequalities, and Romani and Traveller contributions to society.

Colin Clark is Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) and Professor of Sociology and Social Policy in the School of Education and Social Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland, UK.