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 process, exploring how political representation relates to empowerment and inclusion and its broader environmental conditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2019
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 technology 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 of marginalized groups and the challenges they face, the book provides valuable insights into the ways in which political representation can be transformed to be more inclusive and equitable.

The final section of Creating Political Presence takes a more systemic approach, exploring the broader environmental conditions that shape political representation 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 in shaping political representation, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization and technological advancements. By examining the broader social, cultural, and economic factors.

In conclusion, Creating Political Presence offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the dynamics of political representation, shedding light on the complex interplay between representatives, the represented, and the broader social, cultural, and political contexts in which they operate. By examining the implications of this shift, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing democratic societies and offers a roadmap for building more inclusive and representative political systems.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 156 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226588537