Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
This study was conducted to examine the experiences of social exclusion, daily life practices, identity construction processes, the types of situations they encounter, their coping methods, and how these methods are reflected in their ways of life among Roma individuals living in the Çamyolu neighborhood of the Adapazarı district of Sakarya. The research is grounded in the five dimensions of ecological systems theory: physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 16 participants, most of whom were low-income women and a large proportion of whom had completed only primary school education. The findings reveal that Roma individuals face multidimensional structural challenges such as spatial stigma, ethnic prejudice, exclusion from employment, and poverty, and that some participants tend to conceal the area in which they reside. Despite these barriers, participants actively employ various coping mechanisms, such as ignoring the treatment they receive related to exclusion and prejudice, maintaining solidarity with other Roma individuals living in the neighborhood, establishing strong ties with family members and supporting them, and strengthening their spirituality through various forms of religious practices. Overall, the study emphasizes that Roma communities should not be viewed solely from the perspective of marginalization and social exclusion, but should also be recognized for their resilience, cultural strengths, social presence, and persistent efforts to demonstrate collective agency. The study is important in terms of shaping the future lives of Roma individuals and identifying their needs.