Ciganos em São João do Paraíso-MA: de andadores a moradores.

Abstract

The present work brings a research with the gypsies in São João do Paraíso-MA, trying to understand whom these social actors have been living in the city for more than 50 years. I try to show the new form of organization of these in this city, summarized by the expression "of walkers to dwellers". Based on the research, I could see how the gypsies, in a condition of residents, seek social stability and moral respect, something difficult to conquer as walkers, who always suffer prejudices wherever they go. The research was done with gypsies of two families that live in the city, trying to understand what motivated them to fix housing, emphasizing that even as residents they continue practicing their ciganicidade, since for many the definition of gypsy is strictly related to nomadism . The main method of research was the use of interviews, with recourse to direct observation.