In person icon Class, Gender, Diversity and Political Representation: Intersections of Identity and Responsiveness I

Abstract

This panel explores the complex relationships between class, gender and political representation, in line with the section theme of 'Transformations, Continuities and Disfigurements of Representative Democracy'. By examining how these social identities intersect to influence political behaviour and political responsiveness, the panel contributes to a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics within representative democracies. All papers combine an interest in understanding what representation means today with innovative empirical research. The first paper addresses the variability and contingency of class identity in contemporary politics, considering its intersections with other social identities such as gender and nationality. Using comparative survey data from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland, the study examines how individuals perceive and prioritise their class identity in relation to other aspects of their social identity, and how these perceptions influence their political preferences and behaviour. The research highlights the fluidity of class identity and its interaction with other identities, contributing to a deeper understanding of the multidimensional nature of social identities in political contexts. The second paper explores the potential trade-offs between symbolic and substantive representation in the context of women's political representation. Using choice-based survey questions and conjoint experiments, the study examines whether voters, particularly women, prioritise shared gender identity over policy congruence when selecting candidates, and how this preference varies across policy issues. The results suggest that while symbolic representation through shared identity is valued, substantive representation through policy congruence remains a critical consideration for voters, highlighting the complex interplay between identity and policy preferences in electoral choice. The third paper analyses the impact of descriptive representation on substantive policy outcomes, focusing on the intersection of class and gender. Using data from Germany from 1980 to 2020, the study finds that the policy preferences of working class women are the least represented in parliamentary decisions, while those of higher class men receive the most attention. This finding underscores the importance of descriptive representation in ensuring equitable policy responsiveness and highlights the compounded disadvantages faced by individuals at the intersection of marginalised identities. The fourth paper extends the analysis of unequal policy responsiveness to the Global South, focusing on Brazil and South Africa. By examining the intersections of class, gender and ethnicity, the study assesses how these social categories influence policy responsiveness in middle-income democracies. The findings reveal persistent inequalities in policy responsiveness, with marginalised groups often receiving less attention from policymakers. This research broadens the scope of existing studies on unequal representation by incorporating additional dimensions of inequality and exploring different political contexts, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing representative democracy globally. Collectively, these papers provide critical insights into the conditions under which class and gender identities influence political behaviour and policy responsiveness. It contributes to the section theme by highlighting the transformations and continuities in representative democracy in relation to the intersectionality of class and gender. The research highlights the continuing challenges of achieving truly representative democracies that respond equitably to the preferences of all citizens, especially those at the intersections of multiple marginalised identities. In addressing these issues, the panel offers valuable insights into the distortions of representative democracy and potential pathways towards more inclusive and responsive political systems.

Title	Details
Intersecting Identities: Class and Political Behavior Across Five European Countries	View Paper Details
Stands for Me or Acts for Me? Trade-Offs Between Women’s Symbolic and Substantive Representation	View Paper Details
Social Inequalities and Biased Decisions: Descriptive and Substantive Representation from an Intersectional Perspective	View Paper Details
Unequal Policy Responsiveness in the Global South: Class, Gender, and Ethnicity in Brazil and South Africa	View Paper Details
Which Are The Ties That Bind? Individual Preferences for Intersectional and Substantive Representation	View Paper Details