Whose equality? Measuring group representation

Abstract

Presence, of bodies and ideas, is often taken as the primary indicator of political equality and, hence, democratic health. Intersectionality and constructivism question the validity of measuring presence. Turning theory into practice, we propose a comparative reflexive design guided by two research questions: (1) Who are the groups? and (2) What are their problems? This reveals both prototypical and non-prototypical groups and interests, from the perspectives of politicians (from above) and citizens (from below). We suggest concrete qualitative and quantitative methodological strategies to study these questions empirically.

Representing their own? Ethnic minority women in the Dutch Parliament

“…A third, related debate questions the link between descriptive and substantive representation as it 'assumes a homogeneity among women that reinforces essentialist notions of an exogenously given, universally shared, fixed female identity' (Franceschet and Piscopo 2008: 396; also see Celis and M€ ugge 2018). Without denying that shared perspectives 'increase the likelihood that some shared interests can be articulated by group members', scholars here see the articulation of women's interests as a fluid process (Franceschet and Piscopo 2008: 397).…”

Representations of ‘Other’ Immigrants in the Agendas of Politicians of Immigrant Background: A Content Analysis on the Case of the Netherlands

“…As is the case with regard to party identity, gender does not yield to more supportive policies when MPs from immigrant backgrounds address voters with whom they share similar backgrounds. Quite the contrary, female MPs from migratory backgrounds are more likely to follow restrictive policies on immigrant minority cultures and/or religions (Celis and Mügge, 2018;Ceyhan, 2018;Garett, 2017;Murray, 2016). However, we do not know whether gender identity leads to a difference in framing issues concerning asylum seekers, refugees and other new immigrants in today's era of migration.…”

Kulturelle Vielfalt der öffentlichen Verwaltung

“…Aber auch aus einer die Chancengleichheit fördernden Sicht wird das Konzept aufgrund seiner sozialen Gruppen homogenisierenden und essenzialisierenden Wirkung kritisiert. Demnach müssen die neuen Grenzziehungen, welche durch intersektionale Ungleichheiten und bei einer unreflektierten Verwendung spezifischer Konzepte entstehen können, stärker berücksichtigt werden (Celis/Mügge 2018;Wrench 2007).…”