Roma Mothers' Experiences with Their Children's Schools

Abstract

This study revealed the meaning of the experiences of Roma mothers, having children studying at the primary education level, regarding their children's schools to contribute to the determination and solution of the educational problems faced by Romas in Turkey. This study uses a phenomenological design, which is a qualitative research method. The participants were 11 Roma mothers living in a Roma neighborhood in Istanbul. The participants were selected using the criterion sampling technique. Research data were collected through face-to-face and focus group interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed that Romani mothers experienced symbolic violence, discrimination, and microassault behaviors in their children's schools. Symbolic violence is institutionally practiced. School administrators and teachers as well as non-Roma parents and students practice discriminatory and microassault behaviors. Roma mothers, perhaps out of desperation, continue to see education as a means to escape from their poor lives.