Explaining motivation to represent: how does descriptive representation lead to substantive representation of racial and ethnic minorities?

Maria Sobolewska, Rebecca Mckee, Rosie Campbell

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Abstract

Empirical studies show a link between substantive and descriptive representation of racial and ethnic minorities. However, our understanding of the mechanisms through which this association operates comes almost exclusively from normative arguments. This article examines three of these proposed mechanisms: two intrinsic mechanisms operationalised as perceptions of shared experience and a motivation to represent, and an extrinsic mechanism of electoral incentives. By doing so it moves on from documenting the link between descriptive and substantive representation to explaining it. Clear evidence is found that prospective minority representatives are influenced by all three motivations, to different extents, with a difference between minority candidates of different parties. Also, while the ethnic minority population of a constituency is usually associated with extrinsic motivation, it is found that it increases intrinsic motivation for representation among prospective minority representatives, suggesting these may be less distinct than is assumed in the normative literature.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1237-1261
Number of pages25
JournalWest European Politics
Volume41
Issue number6
Early online date24 Apr 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Descriptive representation
  • ethnic minorities
  • parliamentary candidates
  • racial minorities
  • substantive representation

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Cathie Marsh Institute

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