Migracijske i etničke teme (Dec 2004)
The Roma National Minority in Serbia – Demographic Tendencies and Problems
Abstract
This article presents the ethnic structure of the population of Serbia with a special comment on ethno-demographic changes in the Roma population. In Serbia (excluding Kosovo and Metohia) the Roma national minority, according to the 2002 census, numbers about 108,200 (1.4% of the total population). The most important factors that affect the number and share of the Roma in Serbia's population are natural increment, migration and particularly constant shifts in declarations on national affiliation (“ethnic transfer”). This subjective factor was typical for the Roma community, but from the 1970s there has been an “awakening” of their national consciousness and an increase in ethnic emancipation. The demographic development of the Roma population is characterised by negative tendencies in natural demographic movements, as well as in the most important demographic structures (the age structure of population, the educational structure, the economic structure, etc.). The Roma are a relevant national minority in Serbia, as well as in the other countries of Central and Southeast Europe. However, their social, economic, political and cultural position is very difficult as a result of their marginalization, segregation and discrimination. The basic requirement for the social promotion and integration of the Roma population into the society are schooling and the education of this nationality. Through education, the “vicious circle”, from which there is often no escape, could be broken. Also, the state must secure for the Roma minority, if not greater rights, than at least the same rights as it assures to all other national minorities.
