Can digital tech help remedy social exclusion of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people?  

A groundbreaking research project led by Birmingham City University (BCU) will determine whether digital technology can help young people from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community feel more connected to the society they live in.

The project, funded by a grant of £268,463 from the Nuffield Foundation, will explore how GRT youth engage online and review if they have the digital skills and devices to access crucial health services, education and employment, and build relationships to lead fulfilling lives. 

“Our goal is to study how GRT young people can access the vital services that many of us take for granted,” said Geraldine Lee-Treweek, Professor of Social Justice at BCU and the Principal Investigator of the project. 

“Research into how GRT youth use digital tools has been overlooked to date and this project is the first of its kind to examine young GRT people’s experiences across the UK.” 

GRT communities continue to experience significant discrimination and poor educational, economic and health outcomes. 

According to Government Statistics (2023), GRT young people have the highest temporary and permanent school exclusion rates of any ethnic group and are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system.   

“Social exclusion continues to be an issue for GRT communities,” added Professor Lee-Treweek. 

“Our aim is to demonstrate the ways this group uses digital tools, so we can identify pathways to inclusion and challenge narratives around GRT young people’s exclusion. 

“GRT young people have a range of capitals, skills and capacities, but these may differ from the ones that policymakers think this group should or do have. 

“Findings from our research will inform policy intervention to improve health, education and employment provision for young people within the GRT community.” 

The BCU project will be conducted collaboratively with Drive2Survive, a GRT-led voluntary organisation, and GRT equality organisations and networks will be consulted. A group of GRT young people will be invited to act as advisors throughout the project.

GRT young people, from 15 to 24 years of age, will be invited to share their experience of using digital technologies through online interviews, oral diaries and a UK-wide survey. 

Data on how many GRT people live in the UK varies dramatically. 

According to the 2021 census, 71,440 people in England and Wales identified as Gypsy or Irish Traveller, while 103,020 identified as Roma. The numbers in both cases are likely to be higher. 

“If this inconsistent data is anything to go by, it is perhaps unsurprising that research into how GRT youth use digital tools to access information and services has been overlooked to date,” said Professor Lee-Treweek. 

The research is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Birmingham University press release/TT News 

(Stock photograph by Anthony Wade on Unsplash)