Essentialism and symplicism are concepts that refer to the flattening and simplification of the complex identity of an individual or group to a single, supposedly ‘essential’ characteristic. Such an approach, especially towards ethnic minorities such as the Roma, leads to the reproduction of stereotypes and discrimination. Essentialism assumes that all members of a group share homogeneous, immutable characteristics that supposedly define the entire group. Simplicism, on the other hand, is a simplification that ignores internal diversity, reducing the multifaceted identity of an individual or group to a single aspect, which in the Roma world is rich and diverse. In the context of a Roma person, this means attributing predetermined characteristics to them, such as ‘belonging to a nomadic culture’, ‘unwillingness to work’ / ‘laziness’ or ‘traditionalism’. Roma women are often seen as subordinated to traditional roles, which overlooks their individual aspirations and choices. As a result, essentialism locks Roma women into a predetermined cultural framework, marginalising their labour, social activities and individual choices.
The Roma woman is often reduced to the image of the ‘exotic gypsy woman’ associated with divination or folklore. This is an essentialist image that reduces her to the functions supposedly ascribed to all women in this group. In the media and popular literature, Roma women are often portrayed in a context of tradition, poverty and low education, which prevents them from presenting themselves as individuals with different aspirations, interests and talents. Such an image excludes the possibility of freely expressing their ambitions and hinders social acceptance of their aspirations for independence.
Symplicism in the context of Roma men often reduces them to a one-dimensional image of a ‘social threat’ or a person lacking professional and educational aspirations. Men from this group are sometimes portrayed as ‘problematic’, a simplification that completely overlooks their diverse roles and opportunities, both in the family and in society. As a result of symplicism, Roma men are mainly seen through the prism of a potential threat or a lack of willingness to integrate. What is overlooked is that many of them have a variety of professional skills and aspirations they would like to pursue, but are marginalised in advance because of the simplistic characteristics ascribed to them.
Essentialism and symplicism have long-term consequences for the Roma community as a whole. Reducing the identity of a Roma person to a single aspect, such as ethnicity, or ascribing unchangeable, essentialist characteristics to them, reinforces exclusion and hinders the process of social ‘integration’ often criticised among Roma and Roma women. Through such perceptions, Roma as a group become more vulnerable to prejudice and stereotyping, which blocks their opportunities to develop and strengthen their self-esteem.
Essentialism and symplicism not only simplify but also deny Polish women and men of Roma origin the right to full subjectivity. As a result, instead of seeing Roma women and men as individuals with unique ambitions and abilities, society deprives them of their right to self-determination, which deepens social barriers and stereotypes. Introducing educational policies and media initiatives that take into account the multidimensionality of Roma and Roma women is key to breaking down hurtful simplifications and enabling the full participation of this community in public life.
Agnieszka Pięta
Premiere of the Roma Shield report – on gender misinformation towards the Roma community – 18 November 2024.