“We're not dead yet!“: Extreme energy and transport poverty, perpetual peripheralization, and spatial justice among Gypsies and Travellers in Northern Ireland

Benjamin K. Sovacool*, Dylan D. Furszyfer Del Rio

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Even though a place to call home may be a fundamental human right, Gypsies and Travellers often confront some of the poorest health outcomes of any group in society, face almost constant accommodation insecurity, and reside in living environments with very poor conditions or high levels of social intolerance. Based on extensive original research with Gypsies and Travellers in Northern Ireland, this study explores their housing and energy needs, transport and mobility patterns, and challenges to their overall health and quality of life. Our investigation revolves around three core thematic areas. In exploring the theme of extreme and recurring poverty and vulnerability, we reveal not only problems but coping strategies and patterns of community resilience. In exploring the theme of perpetual peripheralization, we reveal troubling patterns of intolerance, discrimination, and cultural antagonism. In exploring our theme of spatial justice, we discuss mechanisms to improve the quality of life and energy and mobility outcomes for this marginalised group.

Original languageEnglish
Article number112262
JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume160
ISSN1364-0321
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2022

Keywords

  • Energy justice
  • Environmental justice
  • Fuel poverty
  • Gypsies and travellers
  • Housing insecurity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '“We're not dead yet!“: Extreme energy and transport poverty, perpetual peripheralization, and spatial justice among Gypsies and Travellers in Northern Ireland'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this