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.
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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.
Edition 2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka "Peace, Reconciliation and Development Challenges" 2016.
Other information
Original language English
Type of outcome Conference abstract
Field of Study Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology
Country of publisher Sri Lanka
Confidentiality degree is not subject to a state or trade secret
Organization unit Faculty of Social Studies
Keywords in English Burghers; Sri Lanka; Whiteness; Roma; Manipulation; Ethnicity
Tags International impact
Changed by Changed by: Irena Kašparová, M.A., Ph.D., učo 45029. Changed: 29/3/2016 12:56.
Abstract
This paper looks into the issue of whiteness among the two minorities in the populations of Czech Republic and Sri Lanka respectively, namely the Roma and the Burghers. Despite the scientific abandonment of the concept of race, being revoked visually through the complexion or the color of the skin as well as applied socially as an intrinsic part of division of power, the author argues it is still very much present in everyday society and it is experienced by all the citizens of the two countries that the race and skin color function as two factors of prestige. Various definitions of whiteness are employed and manipulated by the two minorities while interacting with the two majorities they are socially integrated into. The paper explores their variations, similarities, techniques, ideologies and power relations that facilitate them in their moves in society. Negotiation of whiteness among the two particular minorities is placed within larger national contexts, bringing the issues of skin color at the center of attention to both Czech and Sri Lankan societies 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. The paper on the whole is framed within current social science theories of race, racism, whiteness and power.
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