The Traveller-Gypsies

By Judith Okely

Book Overview

In this book Judith Okely challenges popular accounts of Gypsies which suggest that they were once isolated communities, enjoying an autonomous culture and economy now largely eroded by the processes of industrialisation and western capitalism. Dr Okely draws on her own extensive fieldwork and on contemporary documents. The Traveller-Gypsies is the first monograph to be published on Gypsies in Britain using the perspective of social anthropology. It examines the historical origins of the Gypsies, their economy, travelling patterns, self-ascription, kinship and political groupings, and their marriage choices, upbringing and gender divisions. A detailed analysis of pollution beliefs reveals an underlying system which expresses and reinforces the separation of Gypsies from non-Gypsies. Explanations for beliefs are sought in their contemporary meaning as opposed to their alleged Indian origin. None of these aspects are analysed independently of the wider society, its policies, beliefs, and practices. This book will be invaluable for teaching purposes, both as a study of a Gypsy community per se, and for its discussion of the problems involved in carrying out fieldwork within the anthropologist's own society. It will also interest the general reader and the academic specialist; social anthropologists, sociologists, historians, geographers, planners and all those concerned with minority groups.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521288703
• ISBN13: 9780521288705
• Release Date: February 1983
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Gypsy Wanna Be?

Judith Okely's "The Traveller Gypsies" is a fascinating anthropological case study about the Rom Gyspies who travel Great Britain. In her travels with them, she participates in their mysterious culture, and brings insight to bear on many of the stereotypes surrounding these people. She also provides an "insiders" look at main-line society from the gypsy point of view. While Okely's case study focuses on a relatively small group of people within geographic boundaries, the cultural mores she illustrates are likely to be found in other gypsy groups. This is truly an eye-opening account, and a must-read for anyone who teaches history and/or anthropology. It is a favorite anthropological read of my high school students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Social and Cultural Anthropology course. The Traveller-Gypsies (Changing Culture Series)