Anti-paćiw v gádžovské akademii, Ficowského stíny – a co s nimi? Cvičení v reciproční etnografii a dekolonizaci polské romistiky

Abstract

This article, authored by a group of Romani and non-Romani academics, examines the 
assumptions behind researching Romani communities in Poland. Current Romani studies 
in Poland are often limited by a colonial essentialist paradigm, perpetuating stereotypes 
and excluding Romani history from the broader Polish narrative. We argue that as 
knowledge production is still dominated by non-Romani scholars, this leads to a distorted 
and empirically misguided portrayals of the life of the Roma in Poland. To address this 
issue, we advocate for a participatory research approach involving Romani researchers, 
acknowledging the diverse voices within both Romani and non-Romani communities. 
This long-term process presents unique ethical and methodological challenges, but open 
discussion and challenging hierarchical nature of academic discourses is crucial for progress 
and creation of more inclusive, decolonized knowledge.