A minority and the state

"This book is a much-needed general history of Britain's travelling communities in the twentieth century. The book draws together detailed archival research at the local and national level to explore the impact of state and legislative developments affecting Travellers, as well as their experiences of missions, education, war and welfare in the twentieth century." "Crucially, it argues that their history must not be dealt with in isolation, as Travellers, along with the rest of British society, were affected by increased regulation and state interference, war, pressures on land, motorisation, mechanisation and the growth of consumerism. In this context of massive social change, the book relates Travellers' history to the general expansion of government functions over the century, and its relationship to minority groups more generally. It argues that romanticised and largely unfounded stereotypes of 'Gypsies' had a profound impact, not only on popular imagination and acceptance of Traveller lifestyles, but also on legislation and treatment of travelling communities." "It will be of interest to scholars and students concerned with minority groups, the welfare state and the expansion of government, as well as general readers and practitioners working with Travellers."--Jacket.