Literacy in English Gypsy communities: cultural capital manifested as negative assets

Levinson, M.P (2007) 'Literacy in English Gypsy communities: cultural capital manifested as negative assets.' American Educational Research Journal, 44 (1). pp. 5-39. ISSN 0002-8312

Abstract

The attribution of low literacy levels among Gypsy children to difficulties of access to schools neglects underlying sociocultural explanations. There has been little analysis in reports/studies of Gypsy attitudes toward literacy, nor of outcomes of acquisition. Informed by new literacy theory and by the discourse of previous ethnographic studies, and by acculturation theories, this article draws on findings from an ethnographic study of English Gypsies (1996–2000), and data from a follow-up study, involving original and additional participants (2005–2006). The article explores attitudes across age groups, highlighting social reasons for resistance to literacy, and argues that policy makers should consider effects on group membership and ways in which formal literacy can constitute a mechanism for disempowerment.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GT Manners and customs H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education L Education > LC Special aspects of education
Divisions:	School of Education
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831206298174
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2017 11:35
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2021 09:44
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/8825

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