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Orlanda Siow

Associate senior lecturer

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What Constitutes Substantive Representation, and Where Should We Evaluate It?

Author

  • Orlanda Siow

Summary, in English

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 a greater evaluation of the collective work of institutions as a whole.

Publishing year

2023-02-27

Language

English

Pages

532-538

Publication/Series

Political Studies Review

Volume

21

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Topic

  • Political Science

Keywords

  • intersectionality
  • race
  • gender
  • representation

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1478-9299