The Concept of Representation - Book Report/Review Example

The Concept of Representation (Pitkin, 1967) analyzes the meaning of representation and discusses several theories, including the understanding of both descriptive and symbolic representation. According to Pitkin, descriptive representation denotes the level at which a representative is similar to persons they represent. 1 On the other hand, Pitkin defines symbolic representation as the means through which, a representative can support the represented. In other words, symbolic representation denotes the meaning that a representative attaches to the represented. 2 With respect to descriptive representation, the question that arises is whether the representative is similar, and tends to advocate on behalf of those they represent. Conversely, symbolic representation probes the type of response invoked by the representative on the represented. While descriptive representation is evident, in different spheres of life such as politics, ethnicity or gender, symbolic representation is attached to religion, monarchy or president. In both instances, a politician’s actions such as winning an election can be viewed as both descriptive and symbolic representation depending on what they choose to do and how people may view their intentions. In a representative democracy, there is need for citizens to develop a pro-democratic attitude or behavior. This is important in fostering stability of the established system. In this regard, descriptive representation plays an important role in improving positive feelings of citizens towards their government and ensures that their needs are adequately represented. In the contemporary society where democracy prevails, a politician’s chances of being elected to a political office depend on how he or she resonates with the electorate. As stated by Pitkin, “every person in the modern world searches for some form of representation, whether it is the government or any other institution”. 3 Thus, for a politician to win an election, he or she has to carry out a needs assessment to understand what his or her constituents want. In most democracies, campaigns during elections mark a period when those vying for political office have to go back to their constituents to present their case. The campaign period is an opportune time for politicians to gauge their popularity on the ground. Those on the ground are often eager to elect a person who can safeguard their interests while in office. Whether this view is plausible depends on a politician being seen to advocate for a common agenda with their representatives. Pitkin further suggests, “...when is it appropriate to say that people are represented”. 4 Pitkin reiterates “constituents tend to choose representatives who share similar values and commitments, and can prevent irresolvable conflicts”. 5 Electorates prefer electing to office the people they know or from a similar background. In other instances, ethnicity plays a significant role in determining those elected to political office. On the same note, ethnicity is a major factor in an election in new democracies because voters tend to trust their own people. Trust is a key factor in influencing how people vote, and in times of elections, constituents often elect their own people. Consequently, issues are not a priority, but the need to elect someone with similar ethnic background. The electorates believe that if they elect one of their own, they stand a better chance to gain than voting for an outsider. Many candidates have lost elections because they do not belong from a particular ethnic group. Shared experiences also play a part in determining whether a politician can win an election. For instance, there are politicians who started from the bottom. They struggle with the masses in fighting for democracy and were incarcerated. When such people vie for a political office, they stand a better chance to win because the votes identify with those who fight for their rights. This can explain why veterans in politics lose elections to newcomers. Sometimes, a wave is often created by first-time candidates because, the electorates view the novice politicians as better placed to protect their interests while in office. Individuals elected to office are supposed to serve their constituents, however; there is a belief that seasoned politicians are more exploitative than newcomers in politics. As such, the electorates believe that new entrants are not corrupted or influenced by the elite in the society. On another note, gender also plays a part in determining those elected to a political office. For instance, an emphasis on a patriarchal society means that men stand a high chance of being elected to a political office compared to women. In a patriarchy, women are considered inferior to men and as such; they are not expected to hold important positions in the society. This explains the reason why in most new democracies, fewer women candidates vie for political office for fear of reprisal from their dominant male counterparts. In new democracies, affirmative action is still needed for women to take up an important role in shaping their country’s politics. Social status, on the other hand, also influences the chances of a person being elected to a political office. In order for a candidate to conduct a successful campaign, he or she needs resources. As such, those with higher social standing in the society are in a position to solicit for resources because they have connections with affluent personalities in the society. The elite in the society tends to support their own during elections to safeguard their interests. This is because, a reelection of their preferred candidate means they continue to maintain the status quo. 6 In most democracies, politicians are popular depending on what they bring to the table for their constituents. This means that for a politician to remain in office, he or she has to please voters. For example, politicians tend to offer many promises to their constituents because they are aware such promises will bring them more votes. Elections are often a give and take situation in many democracies. This is true in the sense that, politicians want an elected post while voters want politicians to serve their needs without any conditions. Consequently, politicians often find themselves giving promises to their constituents because they want to remain popular when it comes to elections. Politicians in many instances want to be seen as working for their constituents. In this sense, politicians have a memorandum of understanding to serve their constituents efficiently. This understanding results from the commitment that politicians make prior to being elected to a political office. Most politicians are elected to office on a development platform. Having shared similar concerns with constituents, politicians understand the problems affecting the people who elected them to the office. As a result, an elected post provides politicians with a platform to implement policies that can solve the problems affecting their constituents. 7 While descriptive representation involves a shared interest between the representatives and represented, this view requires reenvisioning in the contemporary society. Traditionally, the relationship existing between a politician and electorates is that of principal-agent relationship. Pitkin explains that: Constituents tend to cling on the elected leaders even when they lack substance. Further, Constituents often obey their leaders regardless of feeling used, rather; they continue to vote out accountable representatives from an elective office and retain those who do not serve their interest. 8 As such, there is a need to reenvision the representation to avoid a situation where one group is sidelined or marginalized. In most cases, the electorates are disadvantaged in the representation. In this regard, political representative need to mediate on the dynamics regarding legislation, the relationship between the legislator and constituents and being able to unite the people they represent. For example, marginalized groups tend to suffer in their quest for equal rights. This is because, the ostracized lack representation when it comes to legislation. Trust can only develop if there is consensus on establishing a representative-constituent type of relationship rather than a principal-agent relationship. For any democracy to flourish, trust needs to exist between the representatives and the constituents. In new democracies, there is often a betrayal of the relationship between the representative and the constituents. This is because; the relationship is only established during elections. After election to a political office, politicians tend to forget to serve their constituents because; some are only interested in fleecing public resources. As such, it is important to amend the relationship by having an inclusive representation where there is no group that is marginalized when it comes to representative-constituent relationship. In essence, both sides need to learn from experience in expediting a workable relationship. In the contemporary society, fair representation is paramount to avoid the sidelining of certain groups or communities. For instance, elections should be free and open to give every citizen an equal chance to vie for a political post. Further, constituents need to engage each other to come up with shared needs to ensure equitable representation when it comes to policy making. Democracy entails understanding and tolerating each other regardless of race, color or ethnic background. 9 In conclusion, descriptive representation involves a relationship established between a representative and his or her constituents. In such a relationship, there exists a shared interest, experiences or similarities. However, for such a relationship to thrive, trust needs to exist between the elected legislator and his or her constituents. Many politicians after their election to political office tend to establish a principal-agent relationship. As a result, they become selective in terms of serving their constituents. As such, genuine representations require a legislator-constituent relationship where, the politician is in office to serve his or her constituents. In essence, descriptive representation tends to have a substantive effect on the constituents at local level than the national level. Bibliography Pitkin, Hanna.The Concept of Representation, Berkley: University of California, 1967. Read More