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Sonja Schueler: Integration durch Demokratisierung? Die Minderheitensituation der Roma in Bulgarien seit 1989. Peter Lang Verlag (Europäische Hochschulschriften, Reihe XXXI Politikwissenschaft, Vol.521) Frankfurt a.M. 2005. 341 S.
ISSN: 0721-3654. ISBN: 3-631-54305-0.

The Roma are a heterogeneous ethnic group whose identity is multidimensionally diverse. According to estimates, roughly 8 millions of Roma live in many European countries where they are "traditionally" one of the poorest and most marginalized minorities.
The book describes characteristics and backgrounds of the situation with which large segments of Bulgaria`s Roma population have to deal. It also discusses concepts of ethnicity and marginality.

Since the collapse of socialism, Bulgaria`s institutional framework provides a basis for ethno-specific organisation and articulation of interests, as well as for cultural development and social and political participation. Meanwhile, the transition brought new hardship for the Roma - unemployment rates above average, impoverishment, discrimination, increasing segregation in the spheres of housing and education and severe health problems.
The majority of the Roma population not only in Bulgaria but also in Southeast Europe in general is trapped in a vicious circle of poverty and exclusion. The situation contains enormous social and economic risks.

Contents:

• Wer sind "die Roma"?
• "Am Rande". Sozialwissenschaftliche Forschungsansätze zum Konzept der Marginalität
• Fallstudie Bulgarien: Die politisch-institutionelle Ebene, die sozioökonomische Ebene, die gesellschaftliche Ebene
• Zusammenfassung und Ausblick: Roma als Verlierer von Wandel und "Modernisierung", Handlungsprioritäten, Ausblick auf die Entwicklungsperspektiven der Problematik