Attitudes Towards the Segregation of Roma Children in Albanian Education

Abstract

Goal – The goal of the article is to present research findings regarding the segregation of Roma children in Albanian education. The paper presents findings from a study carried out in Albania with 210 respondents divided into 3 groups: Roma children and their parents, non-Roma children and their parents, and teachers of Roma and non-Roma children. A questionnaire in 4 parts: “socio-demographic factors”, “attitudes towards Roma”, “the wide topic of discrimination” and “my personal opinion”, was used to conduct the study, in order to answer the question “Why are the Roma children discriminated against in the Albanian educational system?”. Research methodology – The research thoroughly examines the segregation of Roma children in the school system in Albania, attitudes towards the Roma community, and integration of minorities in the country. Score/results – The article presents the stereotypical points of view of Albanians towards Roma communities. The study analyses the discrimination and racism factors in the Albanian society, the necessities in the state educational system for better integration of minority groups, discourse about the reasons underlying segregation of Roma children not only in schools but in society more broadly as well, and xenophobia towards the Roma community in general in Albania. Originality – This is the first time when a study with predominantly majority representatives, who acknowledge the existing discrimination to Roma children in society and at school, is conducted.