nonRomani

Non-Romani is a descriptive term used to refer to people who are not Romani. It is primarily a statistical or policy-related label rather than an ethnonym or self-identification. Researchers use it to distinguish Romani populations from others in studies of health, education, social inclusion, and related areas.

Scope and usage: The term covers a broad and heterogeneous set of individuals who do not identify as Romani, including people from many different countries and ethnic backgrounds. In Europe and other regions with Romani minorities, non-Romani is often used as the reference group in comparative analyses. It is not tied to a single nationality or race, but rather denotes non-Romani status for analytic purposes.

Limitations and criticisms: Using a blanket category like non-Romani can obscure diversity within the non-Romani population and reinforce a binary view of society. Some scholars prefer more precise descriptors, such as naming specific ethnic groups, nationalities, or using terms like “majority population” or “non-Romani residents” to avoid implying uniform characteristics across all non-Romani people. The term is mainly a convenience for analysis rather than a reflection of a shared identity.

Context: Romani communities are historically dispersed and culturally diverse, with distinct languages and traditions. Interactions between Romani and non-Romani groups have varied across regions and periods and are shaped by social, economic, and policy contexts.