ePrints

What constitutes substantive representation, and where should we evaluate it?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Orly Siow

Downloads

• Published version [.pdf]

Licence

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Abstract

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.

Publication metadata

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

Share