The stigmatisation of gypsy communities in the spanish flu pandemic. a case study across the province of bizkaia in 1918

The Spanish flu pandemic that took place between 1918 and 1920 has been studied from various perspectives. However, there are social effects of the pandemic that have not yet been sufficiently explored. The stigmatization and discrimination of certain ethnically significant groups such as gypsies were the product of the prophylactic measures applied to stop the spread of the virus. The circulation and presence of the Roma communities served as an argument to explain some social and health problems. Through the specific study of the province of Biscay, this article aims to analyze the social dimension of the conflict and, at the same time, study the situation of these Roma communities in this health crisis. During the pandemic, discourses and practices aimed at controlling these ethnic groups were generated. These have historically had complex relationships with government regulations.