When Politicians Feel Pressure to Represent: Evidence from South Africa

Abstract

*Objective*: Explore whether representatives from minority groups feel under pressure to represent the group they are associated with, and how they react to these expectations. *Methods*: We use a representative survey experiment in South Africa (N=1,252), and semi-structured interviews with elected representatives (N=25). *Results*: There are clear expectations in the population that groups should be represented by a member of 'their' group, although in the survey experiment they did not trust them more (behavioural response). Representatives are aware of the expectations in the population, and to some extent feel pressure to represent 'their' group and its interests. Often they articulate reluctance to represent groups because they want to focus on substantive issues. *Conclusion*: There is a tension between representing groups and norms against clientelism.