Paper short abstract:

As a consequence of successive governmental policies, most Gypsy elders are now forced to live on permanent trailer sites. Sedentarisation does have many negative consequences for older Gypsies. However, traditionally Gypsies have always offered a high level of level of intergenerational reciprocity and our research indicates that this continues under enforced sedentarisation. Our research also suggests that while Gypsy elders may have always played an important role in the transmission of Gypsy culture and heritage, this role may become increasingly important as their families are forced into sedentarisation and away from their traditional nomadic life.

Paper long abstract:

This research was conducted by Gypsy and academic researchers with Gypsy elders in the North East of England. Our research suggests that it is impossible to understand the experience of ageing in Gypsy families, without comprehending how the lives of all Gypsies and other Travellers are framed and constrained by the policies and politics of the dominant, non-Gypsy community. As a consequence of these policies, most Gypsy elders are now forced to live on permanent trailer sites. Sedentarisation does have many negative consequences for older Gypsies. However, traditionally Gypsies have always offered a high level of level of intergenerational reciprocity and our research indicates that this continues under enforced sedentarisation. Consequently, loneliness and isolation are not features of ageing in Gypsy communities. Our research also suggests that while Gypsy elders may have always played an important role in the transmission of Gypsy culture and heritage, this role may become increasingly important as their families are forced into sedentarisation and away from their traditional nomadic life.