Processos de desumanização dos ciganos em Sergipe

Abstract

The dehumanization is resulted from attributing negative or subhuman characteristics to a group in order to exclude it. As history goes by, gypsies have been target of prejudice and persecution. In Brazil, they have invisible lives and are negatively stereotyped. In this research we analyze dehumanization of gypsies in four cities of Sergipe. 300 nongypsies were interviewed, 157 who live near sedentary gypsies and 143 who live distant. A structured interview was used. The results reveal significant expression of dehumanization: 67% of the answers were blatantly negative; there was presence of delegitimization and animalization; and perception of difference between gypsies and nongypsies. Even those who live near the gypsy groups kept stereotypes, mostly negative, about them. The results are discussed based on prejudice and cultural minority stigmatization theories.