The Absence of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Voices and Knowledge in UK Health and Social Work

This chapter contends that the knowledge and experiences of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers have been systematically ignored and oppressed in the United Kingdom (UK), both in historic and contemporary terms. Their voices are the least-heard of minoritized ethnicities and their outcomes in terms of well-being are among the worst in the UK. Statistics on the social work and health needs of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers are spurious due to a lack of sensitized data collection and a (justified) reluctance to declare ethnicity for fear of discrimination. Social work has been collusive in the epistemic injustice impinged upon Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller families; evidence to substantiate these claims is provided in this chapter in the form of co-produced research initiatives across adult and child services, focusing on hermeneutical injustice (inability to access socially and economically valued platforms) and testimonial injustice (devalued views due to negative stereotyping). Contemporary social work initiatives, such as the formation of the Romani and Traveller Social Work Association, are presented as recent proactive social work responses to the historical and current epistemic injustice suffered by Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in the UK. Positive ways forward are recommended via the adoption of co-productive approaches.