When skin matters: A comparative study of manipulating whiteness by Roma of Czech Republic and Burghers of Sri Lanka

KAŠPAROVÁ, Irena. When skin matters: A comparative study of manipulating whiteness by Roma of Czech Republic and Burghers of Sri Lanka. In 2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka "Peace, Reconciliation and Development Challenges". 2016.

Basic information

Original name

When skin matters: A comparative study of manipulating whiteness by Roma of Czech Republic and Burghers of Sri Lanka

Authors

KAŠPAROVÁ, Irena (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)

Edition

2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka "Peace, Reconciliation and Development Challenges" 2016

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Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Prezentace na konferencích

Field of Study

Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology

Country of publisher

Sri Lanka

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

URL

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14230/16:00089606

Organization unit

Faculty of Social Studies

Keywords (in Czech)

Romové; burgři; etnicita; barva pleti; whiteness; Sri Lanka

Keywords in English

Roma; Burghers; Ethnicity; Colour of the skin; Whiteness; Sri Lanka

Tags

burghers, Sri Lanka, Whiteness

Tags

International impact

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Abstract

V originále

Presentation looks into the issue of whiteness among two minorities in the Czech Republic and Sri Lanka, namely the Roma and the Burghers. Despite the scientific abandonment of the concept of race, being revoked especially visually, through the colour of the skin, the author argues it is still very much present in everyday society and it is experienced by all the citizens of the two countries. Various definitions of whiteness are employed and manipulated by the two minorities. The paper explores their variations, similarities, techniques, ideologies and power relations that govern them. Case studies of two particular minorities are placed within larger national context, bringing the issues of whiteness at the centre of attention to both Czech and Sri Lankan society as a whole. The research method of ethnography is employed, calling upon data extracted from long term observations, in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis. The author takes a constructivist stand point. Text is framed within current social science theories of race, racism, whiteness and power.