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The purposes of this study were to gain an understanding of the Gypsy culture and to discover the relationship, within the school domain, between the Gypsy children and the non-Gypsy teachers. The study was conducted in Malaga, Spain and lasted two and a half months. The research design for this study was qualitative. Data for this ethnographic research were gathered using three strategies: (1) participant observations, (2) interviews, (3) collecting school magazines. Three models of analysis for collected data were used: Domain analysis, Cultural Themes analysis, and Code Analysis. The Gypsy participants were part of the population of the Gypsy ghetto Los Asperones. The Payo participants were faculty members of the school located at the ghetto.
The findings showed that the cultural patterns for the Gypsy population were (1) strong sense of support and protection for the family, (2) strong identification with their own ethnic group, (3) control through community and family, (4) rejection of Payo culture, (5) strong sense of female chastity, and (6) aversion to enclosed spaces and fixed schedules. These findings seem to coincide with the literature of Spanish Gypsy culture.
The results of the research questions indicated that children participated in all forms of social life. If children had the physical capabilities they shared duties typical of adults. Gypsy children were not discouraged to behave as adults in their verbal behavior, their respect for death, and in helping the family to make a living. Overall, Gypsy families expected the school to provide care and meals for the children. The school became important as a form of subsistence for the family.
This study showed that the relationship between the Gypsy children and the Payo teachers appeared to be positive in spite of the cultural differences. The level of tolerance between teachers and students was higher when there was a positive, personal relationship between both groups.
Ten general recommendations were made to open channels of communication between Gypsies and Payos. Moreover, two recommendations were made for further research in this field of study.