The Wall, the Door and the Key? Exploring Resilience in Problem and Solution Identification in Segregated Roma Communities

Abstract

This paper explores how the concept of resilience can inform the understanding of segregation and guide interventions in Roma communities across Europe. Segregation produces complex and persistent problems in housing, education, and social integration, with Roma populations disproportionately affected by poverty, substandard living conditions, and limited opportunities. While interventions have been attempted at multiple levels of governance, innovative and effective solutions remain scarce. Resilience offers a promising framework by accommodating the complex and dynamic nature of segregation and highlighting how individuals and communities adapt to long-term stressful conditions. The paper argues that resilience can serve as a valuable perspective for designing, implementing, and evaluating strategies aimed at improving the living conditions and integration of Roma communities.