Ciprian Necula: Exploring Romanian Roma History through Roma Agency

Ciprian Necula is a distinguished sociologist and activist, deeply committed to the advancement of Roma rights and social justice in Romania. Necula's academic foundation is built on his studies at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, where he earned a degree in political science. His dedication to understanding and addressing social issues led him to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology, where his dissertation, "Ethnicity and Economic Strategies toward Roma during Communism," explored the complex economic and social dynamics of the Roma community during and after the communist era.
His career is marked by significant contributions to both governmental and non-governmental sectors including serving as State Secretary in the Romanian Ministry of European Funds, and he has been pivotal figure in numerous anti-discrimination campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting Roma rights. His work as founder of Roma Civic Platform, Aresel and chairman of Roma Education Fund Foundation has been instrumental in challenging prejudices and fostering greater understanding of Roma issues.
In this masterclass, Ciprian Necula offers a profound exploration of Romanian Roma history, focusing on the concept of Roma agency. He examines the political aspects of Roma history in Romania, providing insights into Roma politics and identity from a perspective rooted in the experiences and agency of the Roma themselves, rather than from positions of external power.