Paper short abstract:

This project, based on current fieldwork, seeks to explain transformations in health care strategies of Roma communities during the market transition in Romania. It examines how the persistence of old, and the emergence of new, economic inequalities among the Roma affect access to health care.

Paper long abstract:

The introduction of a market economy in post-socialist Romania has given rise to an increase in relative poverty, while transformations in the health care system have improved the quality of care for many citizens. Yet despite government claims of universal coverage, less than a third of Romania's estimated 2.5 million Roma have adequate access to health care. This project seeks to explain transformations in healthcare strategies of both documented and undocumented Roma throughout the market transition. It examines 1) how the persistence of old, and the emergence of new, economic inequalities among the Roma affect access to health care and 2) the effects of citizenship laws, educational disparities, cultural barriers, and nationalism on Roma access to health care. These concerns impact how Roma strategize healthcare and consequently, how family and individual health is affected. This project is based on current ethnographic fieldwork in Cluj Napoca, Romania.