Godparents, Patrons, and Trust in Ethnically Mixed Rural Communities in Transylvania - Stefánia Toma

Does social inclusion mean that we can eradicate social inequality or even just reduce inequality between certain categories of people and/or groups? Or we need to refresh our thinking and chose the harder way which seems a bit Sisyphusian and instead of focusing on social exclusion and inequalities, to look for cases of social inclusion and social cohesion (in their broader sense) and try to understand it. The situation of the Roma minority might be illustrative. Historically, the Roma population was excluded and marginalized all over the world, yet, there are situations when despite the measurable unequal position in the local community, the relationship between the local Roma and the non-Roma population was free of conflicts. The way the local society organized itself might answer the question of why in certain communities we can feel some kind of social cohesion on which social inclusion can be built later. One of the practices that contribute to maintaining local equilibrium and overcoming ethnic, racial, and class-related prejudices is the practice of Godparenting. In the village, Roma parents choose Hungarian Godparents for their newborn children. Their request is rarely refused by the Hungarians. During the years, the Roma family and the Hungarian family maintains an asymmetrical relationship but still based on trust. In this context, not all, but more social interventions that address inequality are reported as successful compared to more conflictual localities. Ethnic identity gains more cultural importance and its social prestige grows.Article by Stefánia Toma, illustrated by Melinda Ureczki Lázár, read by Nicoleta Finariu Andreihttps://theanthro.art/godparents-patrons-and-trust-in-ethnically-mixed-rural-communities-in-transylvania-stefania-toma/