Nothing about us without us, or the dangers of a closed-society research paradigm

In recent years a number of calls have been made for a ‘new paradigm’ in Romani Studies. Sometimes referred to as ‘critical Romani Studies’, the proposed research agenda focusses on racism and its importance for Roma and Romani identity, as well as issues arising from inequalities and the structural discrimination of Roma. Drawing from post-colonial studies, feminist critique, intersectionality and ‘critical race theory’ the advocates of this approach have suggested that who speaks may be as or more important than what they have to say. In this contribution to the debate I question whether discussing issues around the ‘authority to speak’ will advance the substantive issues that ought to concern all scholars in this field, Romani and non-Romani.