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confirmed the effectiveness of this power-shifting strategy with most consultants
reporting they try to avoid Romani women claiming they are “noisy,” “hostile,”
“disrespectful,” or “impossible.” When I first began my work at the Alpha compound I
encountered this form of communication nearly every day for a month. Needless to say it
was very challenging. Eventually, I formed closer relationships with women in the
compound through introductions by men or simply when they approached me
individually, and these women would intervene and disperse groups forming around me.
Of note, in the event where my close contacts were not present, other women who
recognized me would intervene, declare my relationship with their insider, and the group
communication style would change almost spontaneously so that I could participate.
MERIA personnel also had to endure this power-shifting communication strategy until
they managed to each form positive relations with the local community.
Currently I conduct interviews, sometimes with individuals but often with groups
of women. The subject matter of these group interviews has ranged widely and it seems
few issues are taboo. It has also been common for men to join in these conversations.
Even children take part on occasion. It is clear that when on my own the women regard
me as a private researcher, but when I approach them with another MERIA member they
treat me as a representative of the NGO, likely because the other members have not
achieved the degree of familiarity with the Roma that I have and so some personal topics
like compound gossip and private family affairs are not referred to. To protect my
Romani consultants and to maintain their trust, I keep private conversations and research
interviews strictly confidential, even when the data gathered could benefit MERIA. My
prior relationship with the women of Alpha compound has made it possible for me to