ABSTRACT
This book, first published in 1974, analyses the position of the Gypsies in Britain in the twentieth century, and assesses its significance in their overall history. Two dramatic shifts in Government policy towards the Gypsies are examined – in the 1880s and the 1960s – as are the changes in the stereotype of the ‘true Gypsy’. Dr Acton traces the developments of attitudes and economic conditions that gave rise to the 1970s increase in interest in Gypsies, and discusses the concomitant political and pressure group activity. He gives an account of the historical background to modern Gypsy politics; describes the postwar situation of the Gypsies in England and Wales, including pro-Gypsy pressure group activity up to 1965, and goes on to cover the campaigns of the Gypsy Council, including a sociological assessment of its work. He considers these aspects of Gypsy life in the light of modern sociological theory on minorities and race relations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part one|44 pages
Theoretical perspectives
part two|43 pages
Who are the ‘true’ Gypsies? I
part three|34 pages
The historical background to modern Gypsy politics
part four|24 pages
The post-war situation of the Gypsies in England and Wales
part five|33 pages
The campaign of the Gypsy Council
part six|30 pages
Who are the ‘true’ Gypsies? II
part seven|25 pages
The Gypsy Council: a sociological assessment
part eight|34 pages
Towards an informed policy on the Gypsies