In Defense of "Descriptive" Representation

Jane Mansbridge

IPR working papers from Institute for Policy Resarch at Northwestern University

Abstract: In "descriptive representation," representatives are in some sense typical of the larger class of persons to which they belong. When substantive interest representation is the aim, descriptive representation may accomplish those goals better than other forms in three contexts: 1)communication between non-mirror representatives and constituents is impaired by distrust, 2) important substantive interests are relatively uncrystalized at the time of the election, and 3) descriptive representatives are more likely than others aggressively to pursue group-related interests. When a group has historically suffered status disparagements reflected in a lower citizenship, descriptive representation can also serve another function, unconnected with substantive interest representation, of changing the social meaning of membership in that group.

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