Work Integration of the Roma: Between Family and Labor Market

The social inclusion of the Roma population represents a topical issue that must be considered from both the scientific and social action perspectives. Governments, through their pivotal role in defining societal values and norms, are essential to promoting the social inclusion of vulnerable populations. To argue this perspective, the present study examines some other pivotal social institutions that play relevant roles in the professional insertion of the Roma: family, education, and the residential community. The study uses an interpretative approach, leveraging the institutional ethnography methodology. We found that a key predictor of successful Roma population integration is their occupational integration; therefore, we examined the employment obstacles and barriers Roma ethnics face and the effects of the support of public institutions. The interviewees have an undifferentiated perception of all categories of support provided more by public institutions other than government income sources, and less as social, educational, and social integration resources. The research findings show how employment options for Roma population are dependent on the social practices, customs, and values promoted by their family and communities, with clear consequences on their capacity to enter the labor market and keep a job. Thus, our research supports the necessity for new openings in the study of professional insertion in various work contexts and considering the work perspective, which is derived from the social relations outside the labor market dynamics.