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Paper Short Abstract:

This paper traces how the concept of "cultural difference" has been mobilized by different actors in the context of humanitarian aid to Romani refugees from Ukraine. It thus moves the anthropological debate on "cultural difference" towards an emic understanding of related concepts and their use in defining complex social relations.

Paper Abstract:

This presentation examines the complex and paradoxical role of "cultural difference" thesis in the response to presence of Ukrainian Roma refugees in Central Europe following Russia's invasion in 2022. In Czechia state officials have used the argument of "cultural difference" both as a pretext to exclude Roma from the dominant aid system, and to justify the differential treatment of Roma while staving off any possible accusations of racial discrimination. Concomitantly, the responsibility for the care of Romani refugees was gradually transferred to Romani NGOs, which have been cast in the role of cultural experts. However, the concept of "cultural difference" was also invoked by humanitarian workers and Romani organizations themselves, both to explain difficulties in assisting Ukrainian Roma and to advocate for specific needs.

This is one of the very few moments when “culture” became a prime component in a redistributive interaction with the state in Central Eastern Europe. While "culture" has often been used as shorthand for Romani language or folklore, both scholars and activists have generally steered clear of the term to avoid exoticization and to prevent reinforcing folk racist assumptions that blame the socio-economic situation and exclusion of Romani communities on a distinct culture. The resurgence of “cultural difference” raises then important questions about racialisation of humanitarian imaginaries and redistributive claims. It also begs a question of how scholars should consider the relationship between the analytical use of culture, which they generally avoid, and its vernacular refractions and uses often by Roma themselves.