Negotiating Roma identity in educational contexts: experiences of Roma students in Romania

Roma communities continue to face persistent discrimination and prejudice that shape ethnic identity formation and may negatively affect self-esteem. This study explores how Roma high school and university students in Romania construct and negotiate their ethnic identity across different social contexts. Grounded in constructivist and relational theories of identity, the research examines the role of key social institutions in shaping identity development through a qualitative methodology based on 17 semi-structured interviews with Roma students. The findings indicate that Roma identity formation is shaped by the interaction between imposed majority narratives and intrinsic cultural identification. Identity construction is strongly influenced by family, educational institutions, and civil society. The study highlights ethnic identity as a dynamic and relational process shaped by structural constraints and individual agency. The findings underline the importance of inclusive educational policies and social interventions that support ethnic self-esteem and promote social inclusion among Roma youth.