Forms of Housing for the Roma Minority in Czech Towns and Cities

abstract

English

A part of the population of Czech towns and cities is comprised of ethnic minorities and socially weak or inadaptable citizens. The most frequent issue we encounter in these social layers is their segregation in terms of society and urban settlement, too. The residential urban structure arising thereof features characteristics different from the neighbouring community due to their specific social bonds. Socially weak and inadaptable citizens are often identified with a part of the Romany minority, which will be the focus of further contemplations. In our towns and cities, there are various forms of Romany housing. A negative sign all the residential models have in common is the aforementioned social and operational exclusion of the localities in question from the urban structure of the community. A new borderline and barrier often appears inside the town/city. Residential segregation is accompanied by negative phenomena. The overall attraction of the localities for prospective investments goes down on the whole. Usually, the housing stock becomes dilapidated and the area is perceived as second-class and instable in terms of its development prospective. In towns and cities of the Czech Republic we can find a wide scope of examples of the Romany minority housing, demonstrating both positive and negative aspects of the co-existence of all the inhabitants in the city. Likewise, the functional, operational and space related link between the segregated ethnic enclaves and the city structure shows some specific aspects and some general characteristics. To solve the issue of housing of a part of the Romany minority there is a whole range of possible approaches.

housing segregation, Roma Community, forms of housing, cities in the Czech Republic

WITTMANN, M.

12. 7. 2007

University of Napoli

Neapol, Itálie

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