| Abstract [eng] |
The theoretical studies of scientific and juridical literature concerning the situation of the Romany minority in Lithuania and all over the world, as well as the features of the adolescence stage were revealed in this paper. The problem and relevance of the research allowed to formulate the following problematic questions: What are the expectations of Lithuanian and Romany teenagers? Do the professional and true-to-life expectations of Romany teenagers differ from those of Lithuanians? Do Romany teenagers feel discriminated in today’s society? The qualitative research was carried out with the help of interviews and its aim was to examine and compare the professional and true-to-life expectations of Lithuanian and Romany teenagers and prepare an educational program for social educators who work with Lithuanian and Romany teenagers in the day centre of X city. The content data analysis was conducted in the research. 9 Lithuanian and Romany teenagers participated in the research. The professional and true-to-life expectations of Lithuanian and Romany teenagers, related to learning, their families, other people, surrounding society, their future family, marriage, work and future perspectives were examined and the comparative analysis of these expectations was done in the empirical part of this research. The most important empirical conclusions that were drawn are: Romany teenagers attach great importance to good community relations and emphasize the importance of the support of their people and their family. Traditions and customs in their community are maintained and passed from generation to generation, as well as the tolerance of domestic violence. Romany teenagers attend schools in order to gain minimal skills (writing, reading), although the majority of them would choose occupations requiring education. Although the Romany feel accepted by local people, however, they admit that they still confront with discrimination, negative attitudes and stereotypes, while Lithuanian teenagers identify them with such socially excluded groups as drug addicts, criminals and the deprived. The professional and true-to-life expectations of Lithuanian and Romany teenagers are similar; however, their understanding and realization opportunities of these expectations are different. Romany teenagers do not set themselves long-term goals and imagine their future lives as ordinary highlighting the security of basic needs. Meanwhile, Lithuanian teenagers associate their future lives with luxury, a good education and financial independence. |
