In "descriptive representation," representatives are in some sense
typical of the larger class of persons to which they belong. When
substantive interest representation is the aim, descriptive representation
may accomplish those goals better than other forms in three contexts:
1)communication between non-mirror representatives and constituents
is impaired by distrust, 2) important substantive interests are
relatively uncrystalized at the time of the election, and 3) descriptive
representatives are more likely than others aggressively to pursue
group-related interests. When a group has historically suffered
status disparagements reflected in a lower citizenship, descriptive
representation can also serve another function, unconnected with
substantive interest representation, of changing the social meaning
of membership in that group.
Jane Mansbridge, Kennedy School of
Government, Harvard University
To Order:
Hard copies of IPR working papers cost $5.00 each (international orders are $10 each). We only accept checks drawn on U.S. bank and payable in U.S. funds. Checks or
money orders should be made payable to Northwestern University and sent to
the following address:
Publications Department - WP Orders
Institute for Policy Research
2040 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208-4100.
For information, call 847-491-8712 or email ipr@northwestern.edu.
Please note that we do not accept credit cards.
