Roma National Identity and its Reflection in the Context of Czech Social Discourse

The aim of the study is to offer a basic insight into the theoretical background of the issue of Roma national identity, which takes different forms among various social actors and is an important topic of research and social practice not only in the context of the Czech Republic. The study works with three main theses related to the topic of Roma national identity, which it discusses with the help of expert literature. The theses of the study are as follows: 1) The concept of Roma national identity is not shared by all Roma in the Czech Republic, and therefore nationality cannot form an overarching and unifying element of Roma identity, in which other aspects play an important role. 2) The reasons why the Roma do not claim a Roma identity may be diverse and will differ for different Roma people. This diversity is based on the different identities of Roma people, which must be accepted in academic and social terms. 3)The national dimension of Roma identity and the associated ethno-emancipation movement can be seen as a source of the Roma struggle for human rights and equal life opportunities, as well as a potential obstacle to the transformation of a nationally oriented society into a civil society.