In the Soviet Union the attitude towards the Romani people differed before and after 1938.  Before 1938 they were regarded as a distinct and separate ethnic group. There were Romani kolkhozes (collective farms), Romani schools and Romani theatres.

But from 1938 onwards, the Romani people were to be totally integrated into Soviet society. They were offered education, made aware of their civic rights and were free to influence society. At the same time Romani culture was not permitted to threaten or challenge the state.