What is symbolic representation? This conference seeks to improve our understanding of the dynamics of representation by untangling the causal connections between changes in descriptive representation, substantive representation, and symbolic representation. Political representation is composed of three related dimensions: descriptive, substantive, and symbolic representation (Pitkin 1967). Descriptive representation refers to the composition of the legislative body. In other words, does the legislative body look like the electorate, in demographic terms? Substantive representation refers to the representation of group interests in the policymaking process. Finally, symbolic representation suggests that the very presence of an under-represented group in elected office can have a transformative effect on the mass public, changing shared perceptions about the proper role of that group in the political arena. Under what conditions are we most likely to see changes to symbolic representation? Do changes in descriptive representation affect symbolic representation? Do changes in substantive representation have similar effects? Does symbolic representation work similarly across different types of under-represented groups such as women, LGBTQ, racial and ethnic minorities? Will changes in symbolic representation affect only the underrepresented group, or will there be broader changes across the electorate?
Participants
- Lonna Rae Atkeson, Professor of Political Science, University of New Mexico
- Amanda Clayton, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Vanderbilt University
- David E. Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy and Chair of Political Science, University of Notre Dame
- Miki Caul Kittilson, Professor of Political Science, Arizona State University
- Kim Fridkin, Professor of Political Science, Arizona State University
- Donald Haider-Merkel, Professor and Chair of Political Science, University of Kansas
- Rodney Hero, Professor of Political Science and Haas Chair in Diversity & Democracy, University of California, Berkeley
- Magda Hinojosa, Associate Professor of Political Science, Arizona State University
- Mala Htun, Professor of Political Science, University of New Mexico
- Yann Kerevel, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Louisiana State University
- Barbara Norrander, Professor of Political Science, University of Arizona
- Jennifer Piscopo, Assistant Professor of Politics, Occidental College
- Leslie Schwindt-Bayer, Associate Professor of Political Science, Rice University
- Christina Wolbrecht, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Notre Dame
Papers
Magda Hinojosa, Kim L. Fridkin, and Miki Caul Kittilson
The Impact of Descriptive Representation on “Persistent” Gender Gaps: A Natural Experiment in Uruguay
Christina Wolbrecht and David E. Campbell
Role Models Revisited: Do Female Candidates Have a Lasting Effect on Political Discussion?
Leslie A. Schwindt-Bayer and Catherine Reyes-Housholder
Citizen Responses to Female Executives: Is it Sex, Novelty, or Both?
Barbara Norrander
Symbolic Representation from the U.S. House of Representatives: Comparing the Effects of Members’ Gender, Race, and Ethnicity
Rodney Hero
Reconsidering Racial-Ethnic Groups’ Representation: Dimensions, Issues, and Challenges
Donald Haider-Markel et al
Bringing ‘T’ to the Table: Understanding Individual Support of Transgender Candidates for Public Office
Lonna Rae Atkeson and Yann P. Kerevel
Campaigns and Female Political Engagement in Mexico