Paper short abstract:

We present preliminary results of a pioneering research on the dynamics of mixedness among Roma populations in Spain, which has analyzed the limiting and leading factors for the formation of mixed (inter-ethnic) marriages / families, and the socio-cultural negotiations and transformations involved.

Paper long abstract:

Mixedness (i.e., mixed couples and individuals across ethnocultural boundaries) is a crucial research area in the field of migration and diversity and one of the most important tests for exposing social boundaries and processes of social inclusion and exclusion. Yet, the majority of studies on mixedness—a concept that encompasses and expands on ideas of hybridity, assimilation, and the relationship between majorities and minorities—have focused on migration and ‘race’, while other axes of diversity, such as ethnicity, have been overlooked. This is the case with the Roma people in Spain, the largest ethnic minority in Spain and in Europe, yet completely disregarded in discussions on diversity and social transformation. Besides, Spain is a unique case for this type of study, because of its deeply rooted history of stigmatization and marginalization of its Roma population. This paper will present some preliminary results of a pioneering research project on the dynamics of mixedness among Roma populations in Catalonia, Spain, which has analyzed the limiting factors of—and leading to—the formation of mixed (inter-ethnic) marriages / families, and the processes involved in inter-ethnic mixing: socio-cultural negotiations, acculturation processes, socio-political attitudes and transformations, multi-ethnic identities, racism and discrimination. Our paper provides key information on the heterogeneity and dynamism of the Roma population, which constests monolithic and homogenizing visions of ethno-racial minorities. The final goal is to challenge traditional categories of analysis to better evaluate the impact that mixing and multiethnicity are having on transforming contemporary societies.

Keywords: Roma populations, ethnic minorities, diversity, ethnicity, intermarriage, mixedness, hybridity, discrimination, racism.