Some Social and Regional Lessons of a Complex Roma Integration Programme (Case Study from a Hungarian Rural Area)

Abstract The overall purpose of this study is to find out how to facilitate the integration of Roma people into society with the help of settlement and regional development. This is examined in the context of a specific project during which the site has been liquidated. The question arises as to what extent the implementation of the programme reached its target. The essay examines the implications of the programme for further development on the settlement concerned. The programme illustrates the importance of a complex approach, and the importance of interacting factors during the convergence of disadvantaged groups. This synergetic interaction is evaluated because it is extremely important with regard to the long-term sustainability and success of the programme. However, with the change of housing conditions, the immediate environment is also changing and one has to adapt to the new environment, which in many cases can lead to conflicts as well.