Falling behind: the social situation of Roma in Hungary today

The unfavorable social and economic situation of the Roma population in Hungary and their resulting marginalization are frequent topics of public discourse, but the discussion often lacks data. In this study, we attempt to compile the latest indicators of the situation of the Roma in the areas of education, employment, housing, and health. 2 The importance of this topic is beyond question: according to estimates, the Roma population, which accounts for approximately 6-7% of the country's population, is the poorest, most excluded, and thus the most vulnerable group in society. The gap between the Roma and the majority society has been widening steadily since the change of regime, mainly due to the segregation of the Roma in terms of where they live and their separation in other areas of society, particularly in education. In addition, the position of Roma in schools and the labor market remains weak, leading to the persistence and deepening of poverty. This is often coupled with a negative, often hostile atmosphere surrounding Roma, which manifests itself in prejudice and discrimination from the majority of mainstream society, compounded by the fact that Roma have become the target of far-right movements in the past decade (Bernát–Juhász–Krekó–Molnár 2012). Despite civil society and government efforts in the area of Roma integration, these programs have not improved the overall picture.