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The Voice of the Absent? The Link Between Descriptive and Substantive Representation of the Working Class in Western Europe
[journal article]
Abstract Recent research has revealed a considerable representation gap disadvantaging the lower social class in the political process. However, we know little about the underlying mechanisms of this bias or the measures that could compensate for it. Combining cross-national data from a general population su... view more
Recent research has revealed a considerable representation gap disadvantaging the lower social class in the political process. However, we know little about the underlying mechanisms of this bias or the measures that could compensate for it. Combining cross-national data from a general population survey and an elite-level survey, the present article addresses this knowledge deficit by looking at one potential determinant of working-class underrepresentation: the unequal composition of parliaments. Building on arguments for descriptive representation, I argue that members of the working class experience similar living situations and life chances that form their preferences. Consequently, working-class politicians may be better suited to representing working-class views. The results confirm lower congruence levels between the political elite and working-class citizens. However, class-based preference gaps among politicians are relatively small, and politicians’ social class appears to have a limited impact on compensating for the representational inequality of the working class.... view less
Keywords
party; working class; representation; candidacy; parliament; social class; politician; Western Europe
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
congruence; political parties; descriptive and substantive representation; parliamentary candidates; Comparative Candidates Survey (CCS) Modules I and II; European Social Survey (ESS) Rounds 4–9
Document language
English
Publication Year
2024
Page/Pages
p. 527-550
Journal
Political Studies, 72 (2024) 2
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00323217221126668
ISSN
1467-9248
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Creative Commons - Attribution 4.0
FundingFunded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) - Project number 491156185