Creating Political Presence: The New Politics of Democratic Representation

Democratic representation has been debated for centuries, with questions about whether elected representatives should express the views of the majority or have the discretion to interpret their constituents' interests. A new literature emphasizes the performative and constructive elements of the relationship between representatives and the represented, exploring how political representation relates to empowerment and inclusion and its broader environmental conditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For at least two centuries, the debate surrounding democratic representation has been a central topic of discussion. The central question revolves around whether elected representatives should solely represent the views of the majority or have the autonomy to interpret the interests of their constituents. This intricate balance is further complicated by the need for representatives to reconcile the desires of their political parties with the expectations of their electors. Moreover, there is a pressing need to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups within the political system and enhance their participation and representation.

Representative democracy itself has faced frequent criticism, being perceived as incapable of accurately reflecting the will of the masses or inadequate for today's global governance. However, this prevailing view of democratic representation has recently come under scrutiny due to its failure to fully account for the performative and constructive aspects of the representation process. Consequently, a new literature has emerged, focused on exploring these neglected dimensions of the relationship between representatives and the represented.

In Creating Political Presence, a comprehensive and interdisciplinary collection of scholars delves into the profound implications of this shift. The book offers two broad and interconnected perspectives that shed light on the complexities of political representation. The first section explores the relationship between political representation and empowerment, examining how it either facilitates or hinders citizens' ability to form independent judgments in collective decision-making. Contributions in this section delve into various aspects, such as the representation of marginalized groups, the role of political institutions, and the impact of media and communication on democratic representation.

The second section takes a closer look at representation from the perspective of inclusion, focusing on how representative relationships and claims articulate the demands of those who are excluded or have no voice. The contributions in this section explore the ways in which political representation can be used to challenge power imbalances, promote social justice, and ensure the participation of diverse voices in the democratic process. By examining the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of promoting inclusive and democratic representation.

The final section of Creating Political Presence examines political representation from a more systemic perspective, exploring its broader environmental conditions and the mechanisms through which it acquires democratic legitimacy. The contributions in this section examine the role of political parties, interest groups, and social movements. They also explore the impact of globalization, technology, and cultural diversity on democratic representation and the challenges and opportunities these factors present for promoting democratic governance.

In conclusion, Creating Political Presence is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the complexities of political representation. By presenting two broad perspectives and examining the relationship between representation and empowerment, inclusion, and systemic factors, the book the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of promoting democratic governance in the contemporary world. The contributions by a diverse and international group of scholars offer a rich tapestry of perspectives and methodologies, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of political representation and its implications for promoting social justice, equality, and democratic legitimacy.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226588360