Segregation of Roma in Hungary's education system

Abstract

This study aims to summarize the causes and mechanisms of Roma educational segregation in Hungary. Several European countries face similar challenges, but Hungary, according to estimates, has the largest Roma population in relation to its total population, making it a good example. Based on the case study, a systematic review was conducted on the given social issue from the time of the regime change to the present. According to this study, the reasons for the segregation of Roma pupils in the Hungarian educational system are primarily related to the characteristics of the Hungarian educational setting and its high level of social selectivity. Pressure to separate from schools, performance gaps between students from different backgrounds, and fragmented school networks drive social selection in the Hungarian education system. Social selection is also influenced by governance failures, parental aspirations, and too many formal selection points. To eradicate this phenomenon, policy recommendations would include rationalizing the school network and implementing accountability mechanisms.