Representation in Practice: The Effects of Selection, Accountability, and Gender on Elite Behavior

How do we ensure representation in policymaking?

This course in comparative politics examines representation in two key branches of government: parliaments and courts. Representation is a multifaceted concept, and the course explores both its theoretical foundations and practical implications.

The type of representation we receive depends largely on who our representatives are and how they are selected. Theorists distinguish between two ideal types of representatives: “trustees,” independent decision-makers guided by their convictions, and “agents,” who act based on the mandate of the people they represent. While the normative implications of independence and accountability differ for judges and parliamentarians, the theoretical mechanisms shaping their behavior are similar.

Theories of Political Accountability and Representation:

Using theories of political accountability, we will investigate how selection methods and information about representatives influence their behavior and the quality of representation. Key questions include:

• How do representatives’ ideology and identity affect policies, and do these policies align with the preferences of the people they represent (responsiveness)?
• What is the impact of term limits and quotas on representation? Quotas may enhance descriptive representation but raise concerns about curbing free competition and the quality of representatives. Term limits, while safeguarding judicial independence and preventing political power-grabs, can hinder the accumulation of expertise and increase corruption risks.

    What role does information play in holding representatives accountable?

• What behaviors do politicians adopt to provide this information, and are they optimal for effective representation?

Descriptive and Substantive Representation:

We will analyze the distinction between descriptive representation (the extent to which representatives resemble the people they represent in terms of characteristics such as nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class) and substantive representation (advocating for constituents’ interests). Are these two forms of representation linked, and how do they interact?

The course focuses on representation from the perspectives of women and sexual minorities. We will discuss systemic barriers, such as electoral systems and political parties, that hinder their representation and explore solutions, including quotas, social movements, and role models. Additionally, we will examine the consequences of increasing diversity in office. To what extent are female and minority representatives different from their counterparts, and is this reflected in their decisions?

Skills Development and Research Focus:

This course equips students with critical perspectives on representation, democratic accountability and gender while emphasizing state-of-the-art quantitative and empirical studies. Students will develop skills in critically evaluating scientific articles, identifying what constitutes robust research, and applying these insights to their own work. The course serves as a springboard for independent empirical or quantitative research and provides inspiration for thesis ideas.