Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers in Higher Education : Contemporary Critical Perspectives

Drawing on research and lived experience, this edited collection explores the higher education experiences of Traveller, Gypsy, and Roma students in the UK. Addressing access, racism, inclusion, and widening participation, it encourages reflection on how universities can better support these communities.

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.