Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Orly Siow
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
This short article introduces a novel framework for conceiving of the substantive representation of marginalized groups—in this case, racially minoritized women in the UK House of Commons. I outline a rubric of eight facets of substantive representation. These evaluate the degree to which claims that constitute a group are also substantively representative of that group. In doing so, I contribute a much-needed framework for distinguishing between representative claims which speak on behalf of a group, versus those which merely speak about, or even against that group. I argue that substantive representation must be considered intersectionally, reflecting the multiple structures positioning those represented. Furthermore, all facets of substantive representation can rarely be contributed by a single parliamentary speech, individual, or narrow group of legislators such as descriptive representatives. Therefore, I suggest that empirical studies of substantive representation should include greater evaluation of the collective work of institutions as a whole.
Author(s): Siow O
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Political Studies Review
Year: 2023
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Pages: 532-538
Print publication date: 01/08/2023
Online publication date: 27/02/2023
Acceptance date: 12/01/2023
Date deposited: 17/01/2023
ISSN (print): 1478-9299
ISSN (electronic): 1478-9302
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/14789299231154864
DOI: 10.1177/14789299231154864
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric