Medicalization and Schooling of Roma Minors in Calabria: challenges and perspectives

Abstract

The paper examines the history as well as the current situation of the Calabrian romani community of ancient settlement, with a specific focus on the relationship with the school. The presence of these communities in the Calabria region is documented from the fifteenth century. The analysis focuses on the education system, which, over time, has adopted alternating methods of inclusion and exclusion, up to the current phase in which there are no longer special lacio drom classes but the tendency to medicalize Roma children to a greater extent, contributing to the persistence of stereotypes and indirectly contributing to not favoring inclusion. To date, some progress has certainly been made, but structural and social difficulties persist, with high rates of diagnostic certification among roma children, often without corresponding justification. Through a series of interviews with graduates, roma activists and teachers, the contribution highlights the importance of family support, the sensitivity of teachers and the role of associations for school success. The study concludes by highlighting the need for greater awareness of the history and culture of the roma in order to promote a real integration and enhancement of the potential of roma students.